USA Women's National Team Defeats Japan 2-1 in Friendly Opener
Lavelle and Heaps score as USA women ease past Japan to open friendly series
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
The US women's national soccer team secured a 2-1 victory over Japan in San Jose, California, with Rose Lavelle marking her 100th start by scoring a goal and providing an assist. Lindsey Heaps also scored, while Riko Ueki netted Japan's only goal, ending the US's scoreless streak at 865 minutes.
- 01Rose Lavelle scored and assisted in her 100th start for the USWNT.
- 02Lindsey Heaps scored her 40th goal for the national team.
- 03Riko Ueki's goal ended the USWNT's scoreless streak at 865 minutes.
- 04Sophia Wilson returned to the USWNT after giving birth in September 2025.
- 05Alyssa and Gisele Thompson set a record for sisters starting together in a match.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In a thrilling match in San Jose, California, the US women's national soccer team defeated Japan 2-1 to kick off their three-match friendly series. Rose Lavelle celebrated her 100th start by scoring the opening goal in the ninth minute and assisting Lindsey Heaps, who scored in the 48th minute. Japan's Riko Ueki responded with a goal in the 61st minute, marking the first goal conceded by the US in nine matches. This match also saw Sophia Wilson return to the field after giving birth in September 2025, and the Thompson sisters, Alyssa and Gisele, made history by starting together, breaking the previous record for sisters in the same match. The USWNT will continue their series with matches scheduled in Seattle and Commerce City, Colorado.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think of the USWNT's performance in the friendly against Japan?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.