The USWNT didn't win its sixth straight SheBelieves Cup, but for Emma Hayes, that's not what this year is about.

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A closer look at the lesser-known players called up to the U.S. women's national team for this month's SheBelieves Cup

On Wednesday, the United States women's national team hit a first for the Emma Hayes era: It lost. Japan overpowered the U.S. to take a triumphant 2-1 win in the SheBelieves Cup. With the win, Japan lifts the tournament's trophy for the first time — and breaks a five-year SheBelieves win streak for the U.

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.

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.

I expect it to be a very, very difficult match,” said Emma Hayes prior to yesterday’s clash against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. Deep down, the English tactician was right—we all know how it turned out for the US Women’s National Team.