Trinity Rodman's extra-time heroics helps US women's soccer team secure semifinal spot in Paris Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE: The American women's soccer team overcame Japan 1-0 in extra time on Saturday, August 3, advancing them to the semifinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Trinity Rodman scored the game's lone goal in stoppage time in the first extra period. 

The United States entered the game undefeated in their group-stage matches, outscoring their opponents 9-2.

Despite the Americans' high possession percentages, Japan maintained solid defense and going into extra time, neither team scored a goal.

Mallory Swanson had the best opportunity to goal but failed

Mallory Swanson, the US team's top scorer with three goals at the Olympics, had the finest chance to put the team ahead in the second half but was unable to find the back of the net.

Trinity Rodman's heroics during extra time of Paris Olympic soccer quarterfinals

In the final moments of the first half of extra time, the United States broke a scoreless draw thanks to a left-footed goal from Trinity Rodman.

In celebration, she threw defender Emily Fox to the ground and she was pulled there. As soon as the other white jerseys on the field jumped on top of them, everyone needed a personal hug from the hero, Rodman, when they were able to stand up.

Team USA's goal started with USA left-back Crystal Dunn

USA left defender Crystal Dunn set up the goal. Even though the veteran has spent years playing out of position for this national team, she still manages to produce chances.

She touched the inside and saw the 22-year-old waiting calmly. In a one-on-one, Dunn thought Rodman had a good chance to at least settle the ball and make a play.

The next development did not come as a huge surprise to Rodman's teammates. Their excitement persisted both throughout and after the game. "Did I think she was going to do the cut and the moves and the shot? No," Dunn said, per USA Today. "But knowing Trin, she makes anything happen."

Rodman, who just about managed to stay onside, made contact with Dunn's pass on the right side of the box. She regained control of the ball after it suddenly exploded onto her. As the Japanese defender lost pace, she made a right-footed cutback. To set herself up for her weak-foot smash, Rodman took a touch with her left. "That’s what Trin does," forward Mallory Swanson said.

Later on, Rodman, whose first major tournament for the national team came at last year's World Cup, said she remembered just that Dunn had played her the ball. "Did a little chop, then banged it upper-90," she said. "Couldn’t have asked for anything better."

"I just remember feeling so relieved when that went in," forward Sophia Smith said. "I was like 'OK, we just have to finish out the game.'"

The US and Japan's women's soccer teams share history of playing each other on big stages

Japan and the United States have a long history of sharing large stages with each other.

The United States was defeated by Japan in the 2011 Women's World Cup final. The following year, in the 2012 Olympic gold medal final, the United States triumphed over Japan. The United States also beat Japan in the 2015 World Cup, when Carli Lloyd scored three goals in the first 16 minutes of the match.

The Olympic competition for Japan has now concluded. They fell to Sweden in the quarterfinals, the same as in the Tokyo Games of 2020.

The US women's soccer team won bronze at the Tokyo Games

America takes a stride toward earning a medal. They lost to Canada in the semifinals of the Tokyo Games, but they came away with bronze.

The United States will play the winner of Germany and Canada in the semifinals.

The US defeated Germany 4-1 in the group stage. The semifinal match will be on August 6, at 12 pm ET, per Fox News.