Many saw it coming, but who would have thought it’d turn out this bad for USWNT today? News flash: Japan successfully secured its first-ever SheBelieves Cup with a defiant 2-1 win over the American ladies, ending the hosts’ five-year triumphant tournament streak as well. The loss has certainly cast a shadow of disappointment. However, not all takeaways from the game are negative. Apparently, Ally Sentnor achieved a significant feat, joining the likes of Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and a few others on a unique list.

The absence of Triple Espresso somehow proved favorable, at least for the Utah Royals forward. She was able to showcase her goal scoring prowess while also being able to make an impression under Emma Hayes. Well, so much so that the 22-year-old ended up making goal contributions in all three games of the SheBelieves Cup. 

In fact, as per Opta Jack on X, Ally Sentnor is the sixth player in the history of the USWNT to achieve this feat. Before her, Mallory Swanson (2023), Alex Morgan (2023), Lindsey Heaps (2021), Christen Press (2020), and Tobin Heath (2019) had achieved this feat, respectively. 

Notably, the opening game against Colombia saw Sentnor score her first goal for the USWNT. It was a spectacular long-range effort that was added after Catarina Macario ended her own 3-year exile. The second match against the Matildas saw Ally assist Michele Cooper, who also came off the bench to open her scoring. 

In today’s game, though her goal proved crucial, it couldn’t help the USA in winning the game. Japan had broken the deadlock inside 2 minutes to take the lead against the hosts, courtesy of Yuka Momiki. Ironically, It wasn’t the first time Japan struck early against the U.S. Previously, they had already stunned Hayes’ side in the Summer Olympics by scoring in the opening minute.

However, Ally Sentnor gave a clutch in the attack to score an equalizer just after 10 minutes. Unfortunately, her efforts went in vain as Japan doubled their lead in five minutes after the second half, courtesy of Togo Koga. It was too late before USWNT could even think of adding another that the final whistle blew. Emma Hayes and Co. were defeated on their home soil. Then again, the key takeaway remains, at least for Sentnor, who was able to etch her name in the history books. Well, technically, she ain’t alone; the rival side also achieved some crucial numbers. 

Japan out-muscled USWNT to their first ever SheBelieves Cup 

Japan made history by becoming the only team in the past 25 years to score against the USWNT within the first two minutes of a match more than once—having also netted within 30 seconds earlier in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. Additionally, they secured their first-ever win against the Stars and Stripes on American soil after 18 attempts. Only Brazil has played more away matches against the U.S. (22) without ever winning.

Though Japan has previously contested this exhibition tournament, 2025 seemed to be their year. Nils Nielsen’s side was completely dominant over Emma Hayes’ side. That’s also because of the clumsy errors that they made, with the away side easily capitalizing on them. 

Another big achievement for Japan is also to finally end Emma Hayes’ winning streak. She was able to guide the USWNT to 15 wins and 2 draws ever since taking the job. Be that as it may, it is quite a remarkable achievement for Japan. As for the USA, they shall reflect on both the positives and negatives of their SheBelieves Cup.