Game one against Japan is in the books and the story of the game was one of Rose Lavelle scoring and assisting a goal. Her assist is particularly noteworthy because her pass was scored by Lindsey Heaps. It seemed like the days of the midfielders playing along side each other had passed, but Emma Hayes decided to try a formation and personnel combo that played into their strengths. The match also saw Sofia Wilson return to the national team as the striker started her first match in 17 months. She
had a solid showing and will have time between now and World Cup qualifying to build back into being a star for the team.
The team showed that it had grown since last facing Japan in the SheBelieves Cup last year, a game the Nadeshiko took 2-1. With the second of three games coming up, the USWNT will want to continue to build on the solid performance they showed on Saturday.
As far as how that might look, it seems likely Hayes will rotate the squad on just two full days rest. She has a lot of options when it comes to her lineup selection. Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, and Lily Yohannes were among the younger players who did not see the pitch against Japan. Perhaps a youthful XI will take the field in the second match giving Hayes a chance to see how players breaking into the team can be built into the squad.
Tactically, there are some places for the USA to find some improvement. The press and transition play worked well and the team controlled 61% of the possession. With Japan chasing the game the visitors didn’t see much of the ball, but they did manage six shots on goal and 11 attempts overall. Claudia Dickey had a fine game making five saves, but Hayes will no doubt want the backline to tighten up the space Japan has to create chances.
As for Japan, the team had a much better second half and part of that is thanks to Riko Ueki coming in for Manaka Matsukubo at the break. The team also was more effective at disrupting the USA in midfield after making adjustments at the half. These positives are things the team can build on going into the second game in Seattle.
While the win against Japan was solid and the team played well, these matches feel like a step forward compared to games that were played in 2025. Last year was one that the manager used to develop tactics and evaluate the player pool. That process seems to have paid off with a 2-1 win against a team the USA lost to about 13 months ago. At this point, it seems like the focus is more on fine tuning, building the intensity and drive that is at the core of championship teams, and even having fun along the way.
