USWNT Veteran Stars Shine in 2-1 Friendly Win Over Japan

Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps scored in the tight contest against the 2026 Women's Asian Cup champions.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:09pm

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The U.S. women's national team defeated Japan 2-1 in a friendly match at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Midfielders Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps, the team's veteran stars, scored the goals for the USWNT. Japan pulled one back in the second half, but the U.S. defense held on for the victory.

Why it matters

This was the first meeting between the USWNT and Japan since the latter upset the Americans at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. The win serves as a satisfying response for the USWNT against one of the top teams in the world, and showcases the continued importance of veteran players like Lavelle and Heaps to the national team.

The details

Lavelle opened the scoring in the 9th minute, and then assisted on Heaps' goal in the 48th minute to give the USWNT a 2-0 lead. Japan's Riko Ueki pulled one back in the 61st minute, but the U.S. defense held firm to secure the victory. The USWNT's centerbacks, Naomi Girma and Kennedy Wesley, were tested by Japan's intense pressing, but overall the team showed progress from their previous meeting.

  • The match took place on April 11, 2026 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
  • This was the first of three friendlies between the USWNT and Japan.
  • The USWNT and Japan last met at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, where Japan upset the Americans.

The players

Rose Lavelle

A 30-year-old midfielder for the USWNT who scored the opening goal and provided the assist on the second goal. This was her 100th career start for the national team.

Lindsey Heaps

The 31-year-old USWNT captain who scored the second goal for the Americans. This was her 174th international cap and 40th goal for her country.

Riko Ueki

The West Ham United forward who scored Japan's lone goal in the 61st minute.

Naomi Girma

The USWNT centerback who was tested by Japan's intense pressing but held strong overall.

Kennedy Wesley

The other USWNT centerback who, like Girma, was challenged by Japan's press but helped the defense secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“I think the progress is in staying in the game and not conceding a second goal. Where we've come from the last time that we played them in the SheBelieves Cup. We've come a very long way.”

— Emma Hayes, USWNT Manager

What’s next

The USWNT will face Japan again on Tuesday, April 14th at Lumen Field in Seattle.

The takeaway

This victory over Japan showcases the continued importance of the USWNT's veteran stars like Lavelle and Heaps, and demonstrates the team's progress since their last meeting with the Asian powerhouse. The win sets up an intriguing rematch in Seattle as the USWNT looks to continue building momentum ahead of major tournaments.