The USWNT scheduled this three game series of friendlies against Japan with one thing in mind, to get ready for the next World Cup. Japan feature strong side that is tactically disciplined, technically sound and not afraid of the United States. They are the perfect team for the USWNT to play in preparations for the World Cup and they made life very difficult for team USA over these three games. Here’s a recap of the USWNT’s 2-1 series win over Japan in their recent friendlies and what it means for the USWNT moving forward.
USWNT 2 Japan 1, April 11th
The first matchup featured a lineup that looked the closest to what we may see at the World Cup. The only two positions that seem to be not full decided upon yet are the left back and left center back positions. In this first game, Kennedy Wesley did a great job as left center back and Gisele Thompson looked great at left back. However, Emily Sonnett and Emily Sams could take that last centerback spot by 2027. In regards to the match, the USWNT got started early with Rose Lavelle goal which allowed them to play more freely knowing they had a 1-0. Japan held strong for the rest of the first half and created some chances of their own. Lindsey Heaps added the second goal just a few minutes into the second half. The USWNT could have had more goals in this match with some of the chances they had, this first match saw them just a inch off in terms of passing and finishing. The match would start to have a nervous feel after Riko Ueki pounced on a ball that wasn’t cleared well enough and snuck it past Dickey. In the end the United States closed out the 2-1 win with some improvements to be made.
USWNT 0 Japan 1, April 14th
The United States actually came out much better in the second game in terms of their offense and chances created. Their shot attempts and shots on goal increased from their previous match. However, ironically the USWNT simply could not find that final touch to put the ball in the net. Japan had numerous precarious moments including a ball cleared off the line. Instead it was Japan who were clinical in their finishing with Maika Hamano scoring in the 27th minute. This was a huge result for Japan to come away with the win and it will give them a great sense of belief that they are building something great with their team. As for the USWNT this was the perfect opportunity for them to reflect and course correct going into the third match. Losing a game like this is exactly why it’s set up as a friendly, so that something like this doesn’t happen during the World Cup. These are the best losses for the USWNT because it highlights where they were good and where they need to improve.
USWNT 3 Japan 0, April 17th
The improvement was drastic in the third game with Rose Lavelle and Kennedy Wesley in a starring role. Lavelle has been on fire with five goals and five assists in her last 10 games for the USWNT. The former Cincinnati native would score the game’s second goal after Naomi Girma scored the first just minutes into the second half, it was Wesley who provided the assist. An even bigger moment arrived for Wesley later in the match as she scored the game’s final goal on the volley off of a corner kick. Talk about a clutch performance with everyone watching. Wesley just made Emma Hayes job even harder when decided which defenders will make the USWNT roster for the World Cup.
These three games went as well as they could have because of what they learned about themselves over the three games. It’s one thing to play a bunch of teams from CONCACAF and beat them easily, it’s another thing to play a team like Japan over three games and adjust as you go. Those three games almost simulate the three games the USWNT would play in the group stage of the World Cup. Emma Hayes and her staff seem to have mapped their path to the World Cup perfectly, it’s going to be awesome to watch her vision come together.
Featured image via @uswnt
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS