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USWNT Downs Japan in Friendly; Hayes' Young Squad Shines

ESPN Soccer •
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The United States women's national team faced Japan in an international friendly match at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Coverage was carried across TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Universo, and Peacock for the contest held on April 11, 2026. Early match action saw Japan earn a corner kick in the 19th minute after a foul by the USA’s Sophia Wilson.

Though detailed scoring information for this specific friendly wasn't immediately available, the USWNT recently demonstrated sharp form, thrashing Chile 5-0 on Tuesday night. That victory secured their fifth consecutive shutout, showcasing defensive strength even with a relatively inexperienced lineup fielded by coach Emma Hayes.

Trinity Rodman scored during the Chile rout, capping the performance with a memorable sideline dance alongside Hayes. The team's statistical edge against Japan showed 52.3% possession and 12 shots on goal compared to Japan's 13 total attempts. The USWNT appears to be building significant momentum based on recent results.

These preparatory matches serve as important evaluations for Hayes as she integrates new talent alongside established players like Lavelle and Wilson. The team’s defensive solidity, evidenced by consecutive clean sheets, provides a solid foundation for their upcoming schedule.