USWNT close out Japan series with statement win in Colorado

Apr 17, 2026; Commerce City, CO, USA; United States defender Naomi Girma (4) celebrates with forward Sophia Wilson (11) after a goal in the 47th minute during the second half against Japan at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Tonight was the rubber match in what has been a very entertaining set of friendlies — and possible FIFA World Cup preview — against Japan. United States took the first match in a 2-1 win, then Japan followed it up with a very technical and professional 1-0 win in the second meeting, and tonight the two sides were hoping to come away with the win for small bragging rights as series winners.

While it’s the middle of April, it was a cold, snowy day in Colorado as the two teams took to a pitch that was cleared, but was flanked by banks of snow. It was time to see if Japan could do it on a cold snowy night in Commerce City. After a starting XI that saw a heavy dose of youngsters in the last meeting, you could see how much USWNT wanted to win this one as Emma Hayes put out one of the strongest lineups possible to try and finish the series on a high note.

The first 25 minutes of the match saw both teams just trying to get used to the pitch conditions. While it was cleared of standing snow, it was still very slick, and very hard as it remained pretty frozen. It was USWNT that had the best chance early on a point-blank shot from Sophia Wilson that was met with an incredible save, only to have Naomi Girma head the ball over the goal on the follow-up.

The final 25 minutes of the half saw USWNT deploy a press that Japan had very hard time dealing with. Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman and Rose Lavelle all were finding space as they began to cut up the opposing defense and start to really apply the pressure. The first half ended scoreless, but the momentum was definitely swinging the way of United States.