Her tally near the end of the first half of extra time breaks a scoreless tie to defeat defensive-minded Japan, with Germany or Canada next up
Trinity Rodman scored in extra time and the United States advanced to the women’s soccer semifinals at the Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Japan on Saturday.
The United States will face the winner of the later match between Germany and Canada in Marseille. The U.S. beat Germany 4-1 in the group stage.
The U.S. went into the knockout match undefeated and outscoring opponents 9-2 at the Paris Games under new coach Emma Hayes but Japan foiled the Americans with steady defense.
Rodman’s goal to the top of the far post came as time in stoppage time in the first extra period. She fell to the field as she was embraced by her teammates in celebration.
It was Rodman’s third goal of the tournament. She nearly scored again in the second extra period.
Former U.S. women’s national team stars Megan Rapinoe and Mia Hamm, as well as rapper Snoop Dogg, were among the fans at a packed Parc des Princes.
