USWNT beats Japan 3-0 as Kennedy Wesley scores first international goal

Naomi Girma and Rose Lavelle also scored for the United States in the friendly match.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a USWNT soccer match, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.The USWNT's decisive victory over Japan showcases the team's resilience and the emergence of young stars like Kennedy Wesley, who scored her first international goal.Seattle Today

The U.S. Women's National Team defeated Japan 3-0 in a friendly match, with Kennedy Wesley scoring her first international goal and adding an assist. Naomi Girma and Rose Lavelle also found the back of the net for the USWNT.

Why it matters

The match was part of an unusual three-game series between the two teams, with the U.S. looking to bounce back after losing the second game 1-0 to Japan earlier in the week. The USWNT is preparing for World Cup qualifying later this year.

The details

Wesley entered the game as a substitute in the second half and made an immediate impact, setting up Girma's opening goal with a header and then scoring the third goal herself on a volley off a corner kick. Lavelle added the second goal for the U.S. in the 56th minute. The game was played in freezing temperatures at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado.

  • The match was played on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The U.S. won the first game of the three-match series 2-1 last week in San Jose, California.
  • Japan won the second game 1-0 in Seattle on Tuesday night, snapping the USWNT's 10-game winning streak.

The players

Kennedy Wesley

A USWNT player who scored her first international goal and had an assist in the match.

Naomi Girma

A USWNT player who scored the opening goal in the 47th minute.

Rose Lavelle

A USWNT player who scored the second goal in the 56th minute.

Claudia Dickey

The USWNT goalkeeper who had three saves in the match.

Tierna Davidson

A USWNT player who took a hard fall in the 30th minute but was able to finish the first half.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're a world-class team. I think when you win the first one, inevitably, the second one becomes that challenge. They are a top side, so we have to give them a lot of credit. So, game on for the third game.”

— Emma Hayes, USWNT Head Coach

What’s next

The USWNT and Japan will play the third and final match of their three-game series on an unspecified future date.

The takeaway

The USWNT's victory over Japan in the third match of their series demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to bounce back after losing the previous game. The emergence of young players like Kennedy Wesley provides optimism for the team's future as they prepare for World Cup qualifying.