Wesley leads USWNT to 3-0 win over Japan

Rookie scores first international goal in friendly victory

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:01am

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An abstract, expressionistic painting in bright neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a women's soccer match, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.A breakout performance from rookie Kennedy Wesley sparks the USWNT to a decisive victory over Japan in a pre-World Cup friendly.Commerce City Today

Kennedy Wesley, a rookie for the U.S. Women's National Team, scored her first international goal to lead the USWNT to a 3-0 victory over Japan in a friendly match on Friday night in Commerce City, Colorado.

Why it matters

The win over Japan, a perennial powerhouse in women's soccer, is an encouraging sign for the USWNT as they continue to build towards the 2027 World Cup. Wesley's breakout performance also highlights the depth of talent on the U.S. roster.

The details

Wesley, a 22-year-old forward, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a clinical finish inside the box. Veteran midfielder Rose Lavelle added two second-half goals to seal the victory for the Americans.

  • The match took place on Friday, April 18, 2026 in Commerce City, Colorado.

The players

Kennedy Wesley

A 22-year-old forward making her first start for the U.S. Women's National Team.

Rose Lavelle

A veteran midfielder for the USWNT who scored two goals in the second half to secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“Kennedy really stepped up tonight and showed why she deserves to be on this team. Her goal set the tone and the rest of us fed off that energy.”

— Rose Lavelle, Midfielder, USWNT

What’s next

The USWNT will continue their pre-World Cup friendly schedule with a match against England on May 2nd in London.

The takeaway

The USWNT's dominant performance over Japan demonstrates the team's depth and versatility as they build towards the 2027 World Cup. Wesley's breakout game is a promising sign for the future of the national team.