USWNT Shuts Out Japan in 3 Nations Tournament
DUNEDIN, New Zealand – Amid steady rain at the 3 Nations Tournament , the No. 12 U.S. Women’s National Team redeemed themselves from a slow start to put together a commanding showing, shutting out No. 11 Japan, 4-0. Four different goal scorers combined to secure the convincing win.
To start the match both sides produced similar strategies – patient passing and a structured press. It wasn’t until the 11th minute when USA’s organized pressure was rewarded with their first circle entry when Beth Yeager threaded it through to Ryleigh Heck, but to no avail. The United Eagles remained persistent and a minute later won a penalty corner and took the lead when Ashley Hoffman buried her drag into the corner.
Control was split in the second quarter with USA on the front foot in the first portion while Japan had momentum in the closing minutes. In the 19th minute, the red, white and blue had a penalty corner goal disallowed and although they earned another two set pieces shortly after they were unable to find an outcome. Japan’s tightened circle defense led to more attack which also tested the United Eagles. With 5 seconds before the break, Japan won a penalty corner, but it was well defended for USA to hold the 1-0 halftime lead.
Japan picked up their pace out of the break, but it wasn’t long before USA broke down their structure and stamped their dominance on the contest. Following a green card to Saki Tanaka in the 39th minute Meredith Sholder made it 2-0 with a textbook deflection off Beth Yeager’s set penalty corner drag.
USA remained in control and in the 43rd minute, Ryleigh Heck added her name to the scoresheet drilling a close range shot through the goalkeeper.
The United Eagles’ relentless pressure continued in the fourth and showed just 12 seconds in when Ryleigh Heck stole the ball and ripped a backhand shot off the crossbar. USA continued to outplay their opponent and added another goal in the 49th minute when Beth Yeager converted a penalty stroke.
Key Moments:
11’ USA produced their positive circle entry when Beth Yeager passed it ahead to Ryleigh Heck but no outcome
12’ Ashley Hoffman gave USA the lead by scoring a penalty corner drag, 1-0
15’ With seconds on the clock, Japan earned a penalty corner
19’ Makenna Webster won USA a penalty corner. USA scored but the goal was called back
19’ USA with another set piece but it was miss trapped at the top
25’ Goalkeeper Kelsey Bing makes her first touch of the game
27’ USA won a penalty corner
30’ Japan earned a penalty corner, but it was well defended
34’ Lucy Adams was issued a 5-minute yellow card
39’ Japan issued a green card
40’ Meredith Sholder scored off a penalty corner by deflecting in Beth Yeager’s drag, 2-0
41’ USA earned a penalty corner
43’ Another USA set piece and a Japan player earned a green card
43’ Ryleigh Heck drilled a close range shot through the goalkeeper, 3-0
46’ Ryleigh Heck stole the ball and ripped a backhand off the crossbar, USA earned a penalty corner
46’ Goalkeeper Kealsie Reeb checked into the game
49’ Beth Yeager scored a penalty stroke, 4-0
Noteworthy:
- This is Bethany Dykema's first sanctioned competition back after an injury she suffered during the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in January 2024
- Today's contest marked Ashley Hoffman's 100th start
- The last time USA played Japan was February 26, 2025 in the Nations Cup where USA came out on top, 4-2
- USA last shutout Japan back in 2017 during the FIH Hockey World League Semifinal
Thoughts from Head Coach David Passmore: "While pleased with the outcome and to score four unanswered goals, I was disappointed with our first half performance as it lacked energy and intensity both on and off the ball. It showed character to turn that around and our set pieces were well executed."
Next Up: The USWNT will play their final round robin game of the 3 Nations Tournament on Friday, January 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET against New Zealand A. All games can be streamed on HockeyNZ.TV (PPV).
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