SAN JOSE, Calif. — Rose Lavelle contributed a goal and an assist as the United States triumphed over Japan 2-1 in the first of three encounters on Saturday.
Lindsey Heaps also found the net for the U.S., marking their tenth consecutive victory, a feat not achieved since 2023.
Riko Ueki netted a goal for Japan, which marked the first time the United States had conceded since their 3-1 win against Portugal on October 26, a stretch of 866 minutes.
Lavelle opened the scoring in the ninth minute, giving the United States an early advantage. The goal resulted from a free kick taken by Sam Coffey, directed to Lavelle by Trinity Rodman.
This goal was Lavelle’s 28th at the international level and occurred during her 100th career start.
Heaps scored just under three minutes into the second half, assisted by Lavelle. This marked Heaps’ 40th goal for the United States.
Ueki narrowed the scoreline for Japan with a header in the 61st minute.
The teams will meet again on Tuesday in Seattle, followed by the final match in Commerce City, Colorado, on Friday.
Sophia Wilson made her return to the national team starting lineup for the first time since the birth of her daughter, having last played for the U.S. in October 2024.
Japan entered the match following their success in the Women’s Asian Cup, where they outscored their opponents 29-1 and secured a 1-0 victory against host Australia in the final.
Japan’s strong performance in the tournament earned them a spot in the Women’s World Cup next year in Brazil. The Concacaf W Championship at the end of November serves as the qualification tournament for the United States.
In their previous encounter, Japan defeated the United States 2-1 in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup final.
