-
Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
The United States women’s national soccer team claimed a 2-1 victory over Japan on Saturday at Paypal Park in San Jose, California. This resulted in their 10th consecutive win, highlighting head coach Emma Hayes’ sentiments on how the team’s growth is reflected in their ability to handle pressure in the closing moments of the match.
“A year ago, we may have drawn this game,” Hayes remarked during her postgame press conference. “The improvement lies in our ability to remain composed and not concede further goals.”
Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps each netted goals for the U.S., initially giving them a 2-0 advantage. However, Riko Ueki scored for Japan in the second half, narrowing the gap and almost equalizing shortly after, thanks to a defensive lapse from the Americans. This match was the first of three encounters scheduled in a week between the U.S. and Japan.
– Important questions the USWNT needs to address before the World Cup
Hayes opted for a veteran lineup for this initial clash against Japan, which proved effective as the USWNT’s most experienced players were instrumental in scoring. Lavelle also contributed with an assist on Heaps’ goal.
“When facing top teams, calmness is crucial, and Rose possesses that quality,” Hayes noted. “That’s why she’s regarded as one of the best in the world.”
An additional layer of experience was provided by Sophia Wilson who made her long-awaited return to the national team, starting Saturday’s match and playing for 67 minutes. This marked her first international appearance in 17 months, following her daughter’s birth last September.
“I’m proud of her for stepping back into this role,” Hayes said. “It takes time to regain rhythm, but she gave her all. I told her to gradually work back into form, and I’m really pleased with her performance. This is a great start for her to build upon.”
Lavelle opened the scoring just nine minutes into the game, executing a volley in the penalty area after receiving a ball from Trinity Rodman, who redirected a pass from Sam Coffey that was delivered from a free kick to the back post. This was Lavelle’s 100th start for the national team, making her the 31st player in its history to reach that milestone.
The U.S. continued to press for a second goal, trying to exploit Japan’s defensive weaknesses.
An unmarked Alyssa Thompson missed a crucial opportunity from a tight angle in the 21st minute. Following a swift combination play on the right flank, Heaps set up Wilson, who delivered a ball to Thompson, but she shot wide.
“At this level, you need to be clinical,” stated Hayes. “We scored from a set piece for our first goal. We should have pushed the lead to 2-0. Alyssa’s chance at the back post is just part of the top-level game.”
The U.S. surged at the start of the second half as Lavelle fed Heaps a precise pass, allowing her to calmly place her left-footed shot into the net from 12 yards out just three minutes after halftime. This play initiated from pressure applied by U.S. full-back Gisele Thompson in Japan’s defensive zone.
It was the fourth time the Thompson sisters started together, setting a program record as they became just the third pair of sisters to compete for the USWNT. Hayes praised Gisele Thompson’s “fantastic performance” in an attacking role as a full-back while her sister led the attack.
“How great is it to have your sister playing in front of you? They’ll fight for each other on the field,” Hayes commented.
Heaps, who captained the team, now has 40 international goals, becoming the 16th player to reach that milestone, and the third oldest to achieve this behind Megan Rapinoe and Julie Foudy.
Heaps’ goal turned out to be the decisive score after Ueki netted Japan’s first goal in the 61st minute.
Ueki nearly leveled the score nine minutes later, but her shot from the center of the box went directly at United States goalkeeper Claudia Dickey.
During the match, the United States maintained 61% possession, a significant improvement from their 2-1 defeat to Japan in last year’s SheBelieves Cup.
Reflecting on the team’s improvement since their last encounter, Heaps remarked, “We’ve come a long way since that last match at SheBelieves. That’s a testament to this team and the coaching staff as we aim to control the game and create more chances.”
The U.S. and Japan are set to meet again on Tuesday in Seattle, concluding their three-match series on Friday near Denver.
Japan entered Saturday’s match with an eight-game winning streak, with six of those victories coming in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which they won last month. Following the tournament, their federation parted ways with head coach Nils Nielsen.