The United States women's national team suffered its first loss in the Emma Hayes era when a more experienced and tactical Japan side defeated the Americans 2-1 to win the SheBelieves Cup title on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium.

Toko Koga scored early in the second half and Japan handed the United States its first loss under coach Emma Hayes with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night in the SheBelieves Cup title game. The Americans had not lost since last February when they fell 2-0 to Mexico in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

SAN DIEGO — Toko Koga scored early in the second half and Japan handed the United States its first loss under coach Emma Hayes with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night in the SheBelieves Cup title game. The Americans had not lost since last February,

The Americans fell behind 2-1 in the 50th minute and were unable to forge a comeback and suffered their first loss since last February.

Toko Koga scored early in the second half and Japan handed the United States its first loss under coach Emma Hayes with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night in the SheBelieves Cup title game. The Americans had not lost since last February when they fell 2-0 to Mexico in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

Toko Koga scored early in the second half and Japan handed the United States its first loss under coach Emma Hayes with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night in the SheBelieves Cup title game. The Americans had not lost since last February when they fell 2-0 to Mexico in the CONCACAF W

The United States women's national team suffered its first loss in the Emma Hayes era when a more experienced and tactical Japan side defeated the Americans 2-1 to win the SheBelieves Cup title on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium.

The Americans fell behind 2-1 in the 50th minute and were unable to forge a comeback and suffered their first loss since last February.

Despite a 2-1 loss to Japan, Emma Hayes remains optimistic about the USWNT's future, highlighting squad progress and promising development toward the World Cup.

The USWNT's five-year reign as SheBelieves Cup champions ended on Wednesday, but there are reasons to be optimistic for the team's future

It's a bit of a homecoming for the U.S. women's team as it played its first nine domestic games in Blaine, Minn. from 1986 to 1990.

The United States women's national team will face China in a pair of games this spring as head coach Emma Hayes continues to evaluate players who will help her squad on the road toward the 2027 World Cup.