Overview
- In San Jose on Saturday, the U.S. won 2-1 with Rose Lavelle scoring in her 100th start and Lindsey Heaps adding a second before Riko Ueki cut the lead.
- Sophia Wilson made her first USWNT appearance since 2024 after maternity leave, and Hayes said she is close to full 90-minute fitness.
- Claudia Dickey recorded five saves as the U.S. held most of the ball, underscoring an open goalkeeper battle that Hayes will assess this week.
- The teams play again Tuesday in Seattle and Friday near Denver, and Hayes said no player will start more than two matches during the series.
- Japan entered as the newly crowned Asian champions with interim coach Michihisa Kano, giving the U.S. a top-five opponent to gauge progress ahead of Concacaf qualifying.