In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Trinity Rodman became the hero for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) by scoring a late goal in extra time, leading her team to a 1-0 victory over Japan. The encounter was tightly contested, showcasing both teams' defensive prowess and resilience. Throughout the match, the USWNT struggled to find the back of the net, dealing with Japan's organized defense and missed opportunities [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/03/sport/us-japan-soccer-quarterfinals-paris-olympics-spt-intl/index.html). As the game progressed into extra time and seemed destined for penalties, Rodman capitalized on a crucial moment, finding space in the box and finishing with precision. Her goal came in the 110th minute, igniting celebrations among teammates and US supporters alike [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2024/08/03/uswnt-japan-paris-olympics-quarterfinals/). This win means that the USWNT advance to the semifinals, further solidifying their quest for another Olympic gold medal. The match was notable for its intensity, as Japan aimed to disrupt the reigning champions' flow, forcing the USWNT into a more defensive posture at times. Despite many attempts, the US struggled with finishing throughout the match [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2024/08/03/sports/trinity-rodmans-goal-gives-uswnt-tense-win-over-japan-to-reach-olympic-semifinals/). However, Rodman's late goal not only broke the deadlock but also highlighted her emerging status as a key player for the team [Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2024-08-03/trinity-rodman-scores-in-extra-time-uswnt-japan-paris). With this victory, the USWNT will now advance to the semifinals, positioned to vie for a place in the final and continue their pursuit of Olympic glory [France24](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240803-rodman-stunner-takes-usa-into-olympic-women-s-football-semis).
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