USWNT vs Japan series: 5 takeaways

· Yahoo Sports

COMMERCE CITY, CO - APRIL 17: Midfielder Claire Hutton (16) of United States hugs forward Trinity Rodman (2) of United States after scoring during an international friendly match against Japan on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images

April’s international break is in the books and after three matches played against Japan, some valuable moments were delivered involving young players taking leadership roles, breakouts, returns, and milestones reached.

Kennedy Wesley’s shining moment

It was game three when San Diego Wave center-back Kennedy Wesley entered the match from the bench at halftime and delivered the performance of her life.

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She was a planned substitute for Tierna Davidson and had a tremendous impact on the match’s outcome, contributing to the three goals scored in Colorado.

She assisted in Naomi Girma’s goal only two minutes into the second half. Almost 10 minutes later, she intercepted a pass to launch the counterattack that led to Rose Lavelle scoring. The cherry on top happened in the 64th minute when she scored her first goal with the national team, with Jaedyn Shaw’s assist.

Captain Claire Hutton

The Bay FC midfielder cemented her place in the squad in this series. Although she played a few minutes in game 1, she had the privilege of receiving the captain’s armband in game 2 in Seattle. In this way, she became the youngest player to start a match as a USWNT captain since 2001.

The final score wasn’t good. Actually, it was the only match the US lost in this series. However, since coach Emma Hayes decided to go with rotation in this one, she had to lead a very young team against the Asian champions.

The young midfielder started in game 3 and nearly scored in the same match but hit the crossbar.

40 for Lindsey

USWNT captain, Lindsey Heaps, also reached a milestone in this series. The No.10 not only boasts 170 caps with the national team but she also reached 40 goals donning the USA jersey.

The Olympique Lyonnais player and Champions League winner is expected to join the Denver Summit in June and bring all that scoring prowess and leadership to the expansion club.

Rose Lavelle hits 100

A 100th match celebration for Rose Lavalle couldn’t have been written in a better way! It was Game 1 and the midfielder scored in the 8th minute. Not only that but she also provided an assist later on that game.

A double return and the Stanford connection

This international break saw the return of Sophia Wilson after being absent due to maternity leave. The Portland Thorns’ striker played 60 minutes in San José and contributed to the 2-1 win. Wilson didn’t suit up for game 2 but she did in game 3, logging 25 minutes in the 3-0 victory.

Added to Wilson, defender Tierna Davidson came back after more than a year. The Gotham player had to sit out after tearing her ACL in March 2025 and made her return with the national team in game 2, where she registered 25 minutes after entering the match in the 65th minute. Davidson made her first start of the year in game 3 where she logged 45 minutes.

Stanford graduates were a big part of this series, with Wilson and Davidson among them. Added to that, we mentioned already Girma and Wesley, both Cardinal as well, who combined to open the score in game three.

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