United States women’s national team delivered a commanding second-half performance to beat Japan 3-0 in a friendly, with substitute Kennedy Wesley scoring her first international goal and providing an assist.

After a goalless first half despite a 9-1 shot advantage, the breakthrough came immediately after the restart. Wesley, introduced at halftime for Tierna Davidson, headed the ball across goal for Naomi Girma to finish from close range in the 47th minute.

Head coach Emma Hayes credited the team’s intensity after the interval, suggesting the shift in momentum left Japan with little room to recover.

The second goal followed in the 56th minute, when Trinity Rodman capitalised on a midfield turnover to release Rose Lavelle, who drove through the centre and slotted home. Lavelle’s contribution continued a strong run of form, with the midfielder now involved in 10 goals across her last 10 appearances.

Wesley capped her standout cameo in the 64th minute, converting a volley from a corner delivered by Jaedyn Shaw. Reflecting on the moment, Wesley described the delivery as “perfect” and her finish as instinctive.

In goal, Claudia Dickey made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The match, played in near-freezing conditions at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, concluded a three-game series between the sides. The United States had won the opener 2-1 before Japan responded with a 1-0 victory, ending a 10-game U.S. winning streak.

Japan entered the series in strong form, fresh off a dominant AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, underlining the significance of the U.S. response in the decider.

Published on Apr 18, 2026