USWNT falters in 1-0 loss to Japan behind young lineup
In a major test for some of the newest members of the U.S. pool, the team could not push past the stifling Japanese defense in the loss in Seattle.
SEATTLE — The United States women’s national team continued its three-game series against Japan on Tuesday, but couldn’t hold the momentum from Saturday’s win . In a rainy matchup at Lumen Field, the USWNT lost 1-0 to Japan, falling flat after an early Japanese goal. Emma Hayes, who has been open about using this window to experiment with the U.
S. lineup, swapped out all 11 players from Saturday’s game. 20-year-old midfielder Claire Hutton, who took the captain’s armband for the first time in January, started as captain, anchoring a younger lineup than the first matchup.
In goal, Hayes opted to rest Seattle Reign keeper Claudia Dickey, who played on Saturday, and start Phallon Tullis-Joyce — a former goalkeeper for the Reign, who got a hearty cheer during the announcement of starting lineups. The lineup’s youth was apparent early in the game. Japan, a team known for punishing responses to opposing team’s mistakes, had multiple dangerous chances, putting a lot of pressure on Tullis-Joyce in the back.
Meanwhile, the U. S. progressed the ball well, but struggled to connect in the final third to get past Japan’s defense.