Emma Hayes watched the USWNT complete a 3-0 victory over Japan to clinch their three-game series, then highlighted how the coming international windows will shape plans for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Naomi Girma, Rose Lavelle and substitute Kennedy Wesley scored in Commerce City as the United States responded well to their earlier defeat.
Hayes underlined the scale of the long-term challenge facing the USWNT squad and staff with an extended reflection on their journey. "It's a little bit like graduating from university," Hayes said. "We're in our sophomore year. I think we're passing all of our tests with a mixture of colours. I think in order to prepare for that dissertation and that final exam that will come next year, we have to keep studying,
and we have to keep applying it. And that's the bottom line. You do not become elite by dreaming about it; you have to work so hard at it. Every one of us will work so hard to make sure we are in the best place possible. "
The United States squad now turns attention to Brazil in June, when the next international break offers another chance to test combinations and tactics under Hayes. Further home matches are scheduled for October, and Hayes viewed these dates as vital checkpoints for deciding who will travel to the Women’s World Cup in 2027.
Hayes has stressed that the USWNT project remains in development, despite this comfortable win over Japan. The series featured different challenges across the three fixtures, including the defeat in game two, which Hayes believed helped reveal the team’s character. The coaching staff are using every camp to evaluate depth, roles and understanding within the wider player pool.
On the field, the USWNT needed time to settle. During the first half, the United States produced nine shots but created an expected goals figure of only 1.1. Just two efforts tested Japan goalkeeper Chika Hirao before the interval, showing why Hayes later stressed the need for continuous work and learning within this group.
After half-time, the attacking output improved. The United States ended the match with 15 attempts, including five on target, and raised total expected goals to 2.56. That shift underlined how tactical tweaks and greater composure influenced the contest. The improved intensity and decision-making allowed the USWNT to pin Japan back and convert pressure into clear openings.
Within that framework, several individuals stood out for the USWNT against Japan. Lavelle led the side with four chances created and seven crosses, combining creativity with a composed finish for the second goal. Girma, who opened the scoring, also dictated possession from the back, completing a team-high 107 passes to anchor United States build-up play.
The scoring sequence began in the 47th minute. Lavelle delivered a corner, Wesley headed the ball back across goal, and Girma nodded in at the far post beyond Hirao. That breakthrough settled the United States, who struck again nine minutes later when Trinity Rodman threaded a pass through and Lavelle slotted into the bottom-left corner.
Wesley added the third just after the hour mark to cap a productive appearance from the bench. Jaedyn Shaw swung in another dangerous corner, and Wesley glanced a touch that diverted the ball home. The USWNT then managed the game professionally, limiting Japan’s opportunities while continuing to refine patterns that Hayes hopes will hold up under World Cup pressure.
Ending April Camp with a Wpic.twitter.com/fGpJ90xW6oU.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 18, 2026
Reflecting on the broader lessons from facing Japan across three matches, Hayes again pointed to process over results. "We've gone through different stages over these three-game series, and today was the day when we hit the sweet spot with it," Hayes added. "This team is so outcome-driven, so when we lose, they are so fatalistic. I tell them that nobody becomes a top chef or a top World Cup winner without collective experience. We know the highs and lows of winning and losing, but if we're solely obsessed with that, I can't see how we're going to get better. I always want to lose sometimes to see what this one looks like. "
The win over Japan gave Hayes and the USWNT a positive finish to April’s work while still highlighting areas to refine before Brazil in June and the October fixtures. With players like Girma, Lavelle and Wesley making strong contributions, the staff gained further evidence as selection decisions for the 2027 Women’s World Cup draw closer.
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