This SheBelieves Cup was one for the record books featuring Japan, Australia, United States, and Colombia. The tournament that took place from February 20th- 26th celebrated its tenth year, in which the US has won 7. The cup was hosted in the United States specifically in Texas, Arizona, and San Diego, California.
In Matchday 1 (February 20) Japan mercilessly beat Australia 4-0 with goals scored by Moeka Minami in the 75 minute, Maika Hamano in the 52 minute and 2 goals scored by Mina Tanaka in the 6 and 32 minute. Japan had a plentiful 18 shots with 8 on target compared to the Aussies who had 1 shot and zero one target. Possession was pretty even with Japan having 59% and Australia having 41%.
On the other side of Matchday 1 (also February 20) the US came out with a win against Columbia 2-0. Goals were scored by Caterina Macario in the 33rd minute and Ally Sentnor scored her first goal for the USWNT in the 60th minute. Speaking of goals, Sentnor could have very easily been the goal of the tournament, an absolute banger and glimmer of light for the already successful US team. Shots for both teams were a bit more even with the States having 10 in total with 3 on target and Columbia having 7 in total with 0 on target. The US also managed a blowout in terms of possession leading with 63% compared to Columbia’s 37%. By the end of Matchday 1, the standings were Japan in first place, USA in second, Columbia in third, and Australia in fourth.
Kicking off Matchday 2 (February 23) Japan played Columbia which ended in yet another blowout for Japan. The final score was 4-1 with goals scored by Momoko Tanikawa in the 1st minute, Mina Tanaka in the 8th minute followed by a penalty in the 80th, and Maika Hamano in the 57th minute. Unlike Australia, Colombia was able to score one against the first place Japan with the goal courtesy of Linda Caicedo in extra time before the half at 45+4th. Shots for Japan were a whopping 13 with 7 on target and Colombia with 5 shots and 2 on target. Japan also held possession at 61% to Colombia’s 39%.
Matchday 2 ended with one of the most famous and loved matchups found in Australia vs USA. The final score was USA 2- Australia 1 with goals scored by Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams) and Michelle Cooper for the USA and Michelle Heyman for Australia. Biyendolo scored off a cherry pick in the 1st minute and Cooper scored her first USWNT goal in the 68th minute after coming off the bench. The US had an amazing 15 shots with 7 on target and Australia had 6 shots with 1 on target. Their lead was no shock with the US having 67% possession and Australia at 33%.
The final for these teams was held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California on Matchday 3 (February 26). In the first game 4th place Australia played 3rd place Colombia which ended in a 2-1 win for Colombia. Goals for Colombia were scored by Wendy Bonilla in the 15th minute and Catalina Usme in the 73rd minute. Australia’s one and only goal of the game was scored by Haley Raso in the 69th minute to equalize before Colombia came out with the win. Shots and possession were pretty even with 9 shots, 1 on target, and 49% possession for Australia and 12 shots, 4 on target, and 51% possession for Colombia.
The championship and end of The 2025 SheBelives cup was the matchup between the USA and Japan (February 26). In the race to the finish, 1st place Japan played 2nd place USA which ended in a 2-1 victory for Japan. Goals for Japan were scored by Yuka Momiki in the 2nd minute and Toko Koga in the 50th minute to secure the win. The USA’s only goal of the game was scored by Ally Sentnor in the 14th minute of the game to equalize before losing the hard fought battle. Shots and possession were extremely close with 9 shots, 5 on target, and 49% possession for the US and 10 shots, 4 on target, and 51% possession for Japan. The final for these teams was held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, home to San Diego State Aztecs football team, San Diego Fc MLS soccer team, and San Diego Wave NWSL soccer team.
