Trinity Rodman’s goal in the 105th minute was the difference between the United States and Japan in a tough women’s soccer tournament on Saturday. Paris Olympics quarter final.

The United States, undefeated and outscoring their opponents 9-2 in the first round of the Paris Games, found it difficult to break down the compact Japanese defense, plagued by an uncharacteristic mix of errant passes and missed opportunities.

Rodman’s goal, which hit the top of the far post in injury time of the first overtime period, came after he fell to the field while being hugged in celebration by his teammates.

It was Rodman’s third goal of the tournament, and he came close to scoring once more in the second overtime period.

Japan quickly created two good opportunities in the first half. Mina Tanaka’s shot was blocked by USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but Miyabi Moriya fired a shot into the net from about 12 yards.

It was a tight match between familiar rivals. Japan beat the United States in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final. The following year, the Americans won the gold medal by beating Japan in the 2012 Olympic final. The London title would be the last of four Olympic gold medals for the United States.

The Americans won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Games after losing to Canada in the semifinals. Japan lost to Sweden on home soil in the quarterfinals of the COVID-delayed tournament.

The U.S. also beat Japan at the 2015 World Cup in Canada. Carli Lloyd scored three goals in the first 16 minutes as the U.S. won the match 5–2.

Among the fans at the packed Parc des Princes were former US women’s national team stars Megan Rapinoe and Mia Hamm, as well as rapper Snoop Dogg.

The U.S. will face either Germany or Canada in the semifinals. The U.S. beat Germany 4-1 in the group stage.