USWNT holds on for 2-1 win over Japan to open 3-match series
A set piece flick from Rose Lavelle and a patient rebound from Lindsey Heaps gave the U.S. an early lead, and eventually the win.
The United States women’s national team held off Japan for a 2-1 win on Saturday behind goals from Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps. The game, which took place in San Jose, was the first of a three-match swing against the high-powered opponent. Despite an early lead, the U.
S. conceded a goal in the 61st minute as Japan turned up the heat. But the USWNT was able to hold on for a confident-looking win to start the series on a strong note.
Rose Lavelle opened the scoring early in the matchup, taking a great ball in from Trinity Rodman and chipping it off the outside of her left foot. The ball took a deflection off Japan defender Hana Takahashi and into the net, giving the USWNT a 1-0 win in the ninth minute. In her 100th career start, Rose Lavelle gets her 28th career goal!
USWNT x @VW pic. twitter. com/Q8vi8IULLP — U.