Rose Lavelle’s goal and assist help USWNT hold off Japan

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Rose Lavelle #16 of United States celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the international friendly match between United States and Japan at PayPal Park on April 11, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images The United States Women’s National Team, behind goals by Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps, defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at PayPal Park in San Jose. The USWNT got two goals before a Riko Ueki goal gave Japan hope in the second half.

The match started with both teams feeling the game out as they attempted to establish a tempo. With the USWNT ranked 2nd and Japan ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings, both teams wanted to try and establish control. In the ninth minute, the United States broke through first.

Off a Sam Coffey free kick 30 yards from goal, Trinity Rodman got on the end of the high arcing cross and flicked the ball back towards the middle of the box. Rose Lavelle, who made her 100th career USWNT start, got a volley on it with the side of her foot and it deflected off a Japanese defender into the back of the net to give the USWNT a 1-0 lead. The game started to open up a bit, with Japan seeking to find an equalizer.

In the 15th minute, they had an opportunity as Hinata Miyazawa took a shot from the center of the box towards the bottom left corner of the net. However, Claudia Dickey was able to make the save to keep it 1-0 to the United States. The USWNT had another chance in the 21st minute where some crisp passing led to Sophia Wilson getting some space inside the box.