Mallory Swanson says Trinity Rodman gave the United States a bit of magic when the team needed it most. Rodman scored in extra time and the United States advanced to face Germany in the women’s soccer semifinals at the Paris Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Japan on Saturday. “Ultimately in games like this, sometimes it just takes a little bit of magic, and little bit of individual brilliance, and that’s what Trin did,” Swanson said. The U.S. is guaranteed two more matches in France: Get through the semis with a win and it’s on to the gold medal match; lose and there’s still the bronze up for grabs.

The U.S. went into the knockout match undefeated and outscoring opponents 9-2 at the Paris Games under new coach Emma Hayes but Japan foiled the Americans with steady defense. Rodman’s goal to the top of the far post came as time in stoppage time in the first extra period. She fell to the field as she was embraced by her teammates in celebration. “I kind of blacked out,” Rodman said with a laugh when asked to describe the goal. “That’s like the best moment in my career.” —Associated Press