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

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

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.

Japan won the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over the U.S. women's national team, handing the hosts their first loss since Emma Hayes took over as head coach in June. The visitors got off to a quick start by scoring just two minutes into the game,

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.