USWNT Progress Evident In 2-1 Win Over Japan As Ten-game Winning Streak Continues

The United States edged Japan 2-1 at PayPal Park, extending a growing 10-match winning run. Emma Hayes said the result underlined steady progress over the last 12 months, especially in high-pressure moments. The match was the first of three friendlies between the sides in six days, and served as another test of Hayes’ developing team structure and mentality.

Hayes highlighted that the group has learned how to close out tight contests since taking charge. The United States had lost 2-1 to Portugal in October, their last defeat in any competition. Since then, the team has won every fixture, including this latest meeting with Japan, which Hayes described as a clear measure of development.

Goals from Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps put the United States 2-0 in front by the 48th minute. Lavelle struck first to give the hosts control, before Heaps doubled the advantage soon after half-time. Riko Ueki pulled one back for Japan just after the hour mark, and the visitors then applied heavy pressure as they chased an equaliser.

Hayes felt this was exactly the type of situation the team might not have managed a year earlier. "I think 12 months ago, we might have drawn this game," Hayes said. "I think the progress is in staying in the game and not conceding a second goal. Where we've come from the last time that we played them in the SheBelieves Cup [a 2-1 defeat last year]... We've come a very long way. So full credit to this team, credit to the staff, it's about the way that we want to control the game, where we want to control the game and the chances that we want to create."

The head coach stressed that control in key zones was central to the plan against Japan. The emphasis was on dictating tempo, limiting clear chances, and managing the final stages once the lead narrowed. Hayes said the players and staff had worked to improve game management since the SheBelieves Cup loss, and this performance reflected that focus.

Lavelle’s goal arrived on a special day on a personal level as well. The midfielder made the 100th start of an international career with the United States. Lavelle became the 31st player to reach that total for the national team, and is tied with Abby Wambach as the 14th fastest to reach 100 starts, with both hitting the mark on their 119th caps.

Several players also enjoyed support from a strong crowd atmosphere in San Jose. The United States squad shared the occasion on social media during the event, reflecting the significance of the match window in April 2026.

There was another notable storyline on the left side of the United States line-up. Sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson both started, with Alyssa operating on the wing and Gisele behind at full-back. It was the fourth time they had begun an international match together, the most for any sister pairing for the team, moving past Kristie and Sam Mewis, who started together three times.

Hayes spoke warmly about the Thompson sisters’ understanding on the pitch. Hayes added: "How nice is that, you've got your sister playing in front of you? They're going to die for each other on the field." The coach indicated that this connection could be a useful asset, especially when defending wide areas or launching quick transitions down the flank.

The United States and Japan will meet twice more in the same week, with the series continuing in Seattle on Tuesday before finishing in Colorado on Friday. The remaining fixtures will give both coaching staffs further information ahead of future tournaments.

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The two upcoming USA vs Japan fixtures complete a demanding six-day schedule, offering extended looks at rotations and tactical tweaks. For Hayes and the United States squad, the 2-1 win, the 10-match winning streak, and individual milestones such as Lavelle’s 100th start and the Thompson record underline a period of steady, measurable progress.