Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Heaps lead US women to win over Japan

Coach Emma Hayes's squad extends win streak to 10 games, their longest since 2023.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a women's soccer match, with abstract shapes and angles in a vibrant color palette representing the players and the ball.The USWNT's dynamic victory over Japan showcases the team's growing control and creativity on the pitch.Commerce City Today

Rose Lavelle scored in the 9th minute and Lindsey Heaps added a goal early in the second half to lead the US women's national soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Japan. The win extends the USWNT's win streak to 10 games, their longest since 2023. Lavelle's goal came in her 100th career start, while Heaps scored her 40th international goal. Japan's Ueki scored in the 61st minute to cut the deficit, but the US held on for the win.

Why it matters

The USWNT's win over Japan, a top women's soccer program, continues their strong run of form under coach Emma Hayes. This victory extends their impressive win streak and builds momentum ahead of key upcoming matches, including the CONCACAF W Championship which serves as the World Cup qualification tournament.

The details

Lavelle opened the scoring in the 9th minute, converting a free kick from Sam Coffey that was sent to her by Trinity Rodman. Heaps then doubled the lead less than 3 minutes into the second half, scoring off a feed from Lavelle. Japan's Ueki scored on a header in the 61st minute to pull one back, but the USWNT held on for the victory.

  • The match was played on April 11, 2026.
  • Lavelle scored in the 9th minute.
  • Heaps scored less than 3 minutes into the second half.
  • Ueki scored for Japan in the 61st minute.
  • The teams will meet again on April 15, 2026 in Seattle and April 18, 2026 in Commerce City, Colorado.

The players

Rose Lavelle

A midfielder for the US women's national soccer team who scored the opening goal in her 100th career start.

Lindsey Heaps

A forward for the US women's national soccer team who scored the second goal, her 40th career international goal.

Emma Hayes

The head coach of the US women's national soccer team, who has led the squad to 10 straight wins, their longest streak since 2023.

Ueki

A player for the Japan women's national soccer team who scored Japan's lone goal in the 61st minute.

Gisele Thompson

A defender for the US women's national soccer team who discussed the team's strong play, especially in the first half, in controlling possession and creating chances.

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What they’re saying

“Part of the halftime conversation was 'Can we go control the ball higher up the field?' We had certain moments of control lower down, but if we control the ball higher up the field, we're gonna get chances.”

— Lindsey Heaps, Forward, US Women's National Soccer Team

“I think we had moments where we were really confident on the ball, especially in the first half, getting the balls in behind and the combination plays, winning the ball back and just having that fast transition. I think that was really important. But I think we have to keep doing that throughout the whole entire game.”

— Gisele Thompson, Defender, US Women's National Soccer Team

What’s next

The teams will meet again on April 15, 2026 in Seattle and April 18, 2026 in Commerce City, Colorado.

The takeaway

The USWNT's win over Japan extends their impressive win streak to 10 games, their longest since 2023, and demonstrates their continued growth and dominance under coach Emma Hayes. This victory builds momentum for the team ahead of key upcoming matches, including the CONCACAF W Championship which serves as the World Cup qualification tournament.