SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) triumphed over Japan with a score of 2-1 in their first match of a three-game series on Saturday.
Rose Lavelle contributed significantly, scoring a goal and providing an assist.
Lindsey Heaps also found the net for the U.S., marking the team’s tenth consecutive victory, a streak not achieved since 2023. Japan’s Riko Ueki scored, making it the first goal conceded by the U.S. in 866 minutes of play.
Match Highlights
Lavelle opened the scoring in the ninth minute, converting a free kick delivered by Sam Coffey, with Trinity Rodman assisting. This goal marked Lavelle’s 28th international goal and coincided with her 100th career start.
Heaps extended the lead early in the second half, scoring just under three minutes after play resumed, assisted by Lavelle. This goal marked Heaps’ 40th for the national team.
Japan’s Response
Japan narrowed the gap in the 61st minute when Ueki scored with a header. Despite this, the U.S. maintained control of the match for most of the game.
Player Insights
Defender Gisele Thompson reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “I think we had moments where we were really confident on the ball, especially in the first half… But I think we have to keep doing that throughout the whole entire game.”
Sophia Wilson made her first start for the national team after returning from maternity leave, having not played since October 2024.
Upcoming Matches
The U.S. will face Japan again on Tuesday in Seattle, followed by a final match in Commerce City, Colorado, on Friday. Japan recently won the Women’s Asian Cup, where they outscored opponents 29-1 and secured their place in the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Historical Context
Japan had previously defeated the U.S. 2-1 in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup final. Heaps noted the evolution of the U.S. team’s gameplay since that loss, emphasizing their improved control and finishing.
“But I think also credit to how we finish out the game… We’re keeping the ball out of the back of the net, and at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing,” Heaps stated.