USWNT Advance to 2026 FIH Nations Cup Semifinals with Shutout Win Over Japan
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Another dominant showing propelled the No. 12 U.S. Women's National Team to a 4-0 win over No. 15 Japan and a spot in the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup semifinals. In addition to the offensive burst, the United Eagles defended seven Japan penalty corners, as goalkeeper Kelsey Bing finished with a clean sheet for her 100th international cap.
It was just about 30 seconds after the opening whistle when Maddie Zimmer earned a penalty corner for USA, which was converted when Claire Danahy tipped in a ball sent to the post by Beth Yeager.
After defending a trio of Japan penalty corners, USA quickly transitioned back onto attack. With a brilliant run up the field, Zimmer sent a pass across to Ashley Sessa, who pulled around the defense and goalkeeper to score in one smooth motion. Looking dangerous, USA had a 2-0 lead after the first frame.
The second quarter went by without a tally from either side, including missed set piece opportunities from both teams.
A third goal for the United Eagles came early in the second half, when Sessa scored her second of the match with a tight upright backhand shot.
The connections kept rolling for USA, as the red, white, and blue found a second set piece goal to end the third quarter. This time, it was a deflection from Zimmer to give the team a 4-0 lead.
A scoreless final frame saw USA defend two more of Japan's penalty corner chances and take the well-earned 4-0 win.
Player of the Match: Ashley Sessa (USA)
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Key Moments:
1' Maddie Zimmer earns USA a penalty corner, Claire Danahy tips it in
4' Japan wins their first set piece
6' Japan second penalty corner
9' Japan third set piece
10' Maddie Zimmer assists to Ashley Sessa, USA up 2-0
11' USA penalty corner chance
24' USA outlasts another Japan set piece
32' Ashley Sessa scores with an upright backhand shot, USA leads 3-0
44' Maddie Zimmer deflects in the penalty corner shot from Ashley Hoffman, USA up 4-0
Noteworthy:
- Kelsey Bing earned her 100th international cap for USA
- Claire Danahy scored her first career international goal
- USA has now won their past four matches against Japan
- USA has scored the most goals so far (13) at the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
Thoughts from Head Coach David Passmore: “We played some great attacking hockey using our pace out wide, with our ability to play through the middle. We scored some really great goals but despite not giving up too many circle entries against we gave too many penalty corners away which will need to be a focus going into our next game. I am delighted Kelsey Bing kept a great clean sheet on her 100th cap.”
Next Up: The USWNT will play in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup semifinals on Saturday, June 20 at 2:30 a.m. ET against No. 10 New Zealand. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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