USWNT Beats Japan 3-0 in Colorado to Win Series

The USWNT scored 3 goals against Japan on April 17, 2026, winning the series 2-1. This is a strong performance after a previous loss.
By Newsroom | Sports, Soccer |

Victory in Colorado Closes Three-Game Set

The United States Women's National Team secured a decisive 3-0 win over Japan on Friday evening, April 17, 2026, in Commerce City, Colorado. This final match of a three-game series saw goals from Naomi Girma in the 47th minute, Rose Lavelle in the 56th minute, and Kennedy Wesley in the 64th minute, sealing the victory. The game concluded with no added time, as announced by the fourth official. The USWNT's triumph in Colorado ultimately clinched the series 2-1 against Japan, marking a return to winning ways after a previous loss.

Goals and Key Moments

The scoring in the decisive match began shortly after halftime. Naomi Girma opened the account, followed by Rose Lavelle's strike. Kennedy Wesley then sealed the win with her first international goal, a volley scored just minutes after her first international assist. This performance earned Wesley the 'Woman of the Match' distinction. Japan had moments of pressure, with Koga Tōko registering an early effort on goal, but could not break through the USWNT's defense in this final encounter.

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Series Breakdown and Context

This three-game series against Japan, designed partly for the team's preparation and planning, proved to be a revealing exercise. Japan managed to defeat the USWNT 1-0 in the second game of the set, ending a ten-match win streak for the United States. This loss to Japan was the USWNT's first since a prior defeat against Portugal.

The first match of the series saw the United States emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, with goals from Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps. The second match, played in Seattle, resulted in a 1-0 loss for the USWNT, a venue where they have historically struggled. The series culminated in the snowy conditions of Colorado with the decisive 3-0 victory.

Broader Implications

The series provided opportunities to assess player form and team dynamics ahead of upcoming challenges, including World Cup qualifying. The inclusion of players like Tierna Davidson, marking her first appearance in over 400 days, adds another layer to the team's evolving composition. The matches also drew significant crowds, with the Seattle game setting a record for attendance at a standalone women's soccer match in that city.

Read More: USWNT Loses to Japan 1-0, Faces Japan Again Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the USWNT win the series against Japan on April 17, 2026?
The USWNT won the final game 3-0 in Colorado with goals from Naomi Girma, Rose Lavelle, and Kennedy Wesley. This win clinched the three-game series 2-1 against Japan.
Q: Who scored goals for the USWNT against Japan on April 17, 2026?
Naomi Girma scored in the 47th minute, Rose Lavelle scored in the 56th minute, and Kennedy Wesley scored in the 64th minute.
Q: What was the final score of the series between the USWNT and Japan?
The USWNT won the series 2-1. They won the first game 2-1 and the final game 3-0, but lost the second game 1-0.
Q: Where was the final game between the USWNT and Japan played on April 17, 2026?
The final game was played in Commerce City, Colorado, in snowy conditions.
Q: What is the significance of Kennedy Wesley's goal on April 17, 2026?
Kennedy Wesley scored her first international goal and also had her first international assist in the same match. She was named 'Woman of the Match'.