For the second time in just a few days, the United States Women’s National Team were set to take the pitch against Japan as the two continued to get real comfortable this international window. This will be the second of three matchups between the two sides that many view as early favorites for the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. After their Women’s Asian Cup win over Australia just over a month ago, Japan were looking to send a message that they are indeed for real, going up against the always
tough USWNT. In their first match, it was the United States that got the best of their opponents, but it wasn’t anywhere near a dominant showing. Now, Japan will be looking to get their lick back, while USWNT will be looking to further show that while they may be young, and in the midst of an era shift, they are still the standard when it comes to global women’s soccer.
In true Pacific Northwest fashion, the pitch was soggy and slick from the day’s rain, something Japan looked to take advantage of early. While both sides came out with early opportunities, it was Japan who were able to test Phallon Tullis-Joyce early with a couple of good looks at goal that required some effort from the American keeper. USWNT had a couple of really good looks of their own, one coming by way of a Patterson cross into the box that was narrowly missed with the headed effort, and then bounced back post for Emma Sears who had her second effort blocked. In the end, it was Japan who struck first behind some really great passing that finished with Maika Hamano sending in a strike that rose just past the outstretched Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who did just get fingertips on it, but the pace and strength of the shot was too much and Japan found their first half lead.
The halftime whistle came without USWNT finding an equalizer which was a bit disappointing considering they controlled a lot of the ball. They went into the halftime break with 67% possession, but only managed three shots on goal, with none really threatening the opposing goalkeeper. A moment of brilliance had them down, but as we entered the second half, it was United States that were now looking for a moment or two of brilliance to avoid the loss in Seattle.
Through 60 minutes, the United States were still unable to get much going by way of attacking threat, so Emma Hayes reached for her bench and ordered some espresso to help jolt the attack into life. Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, and Gisele Thompson all checked into the match as USWNT looked to find a way back, and perhaps even find a late winner with just over 30 minutes to play.
The subs absolutely made a difference almost immediately as the double espresso served as caffeine shots for the attack, with USWNT finally looking like they typically look. Despite Japan dropping into a more defensive look late into the match, United States were starting to break them down, find space, and nearly found the equalizer in the 75th minute. With just over 15 minutes left, it very much looked like the equalizer was there to be had, and depending on when it came, a winner might be on the table as well, but one foot in front of the other as the team looked first to just find that first goal.
Despite the reinvigorated attack from the subs, it was Japan who were able to hold off USWNT and come away with the win in soggy Seattle. As is always the case when United States loses, the feeling will be that of disappointment but this is great learning experience for a very young squad of players. This is absolutely going to be one of the teams that will be standing in their way during the World Cup, so seeing them throughout this friendly window, in low stakes matches, is iron sharpening iron. Not to mention, with three matches this window, this win for Japan evens out the series and turns the upcoming finale into a rubber match, where both teams will surely be looking to put on shows and do everything they can to come away with a win.
