Double Espresso, Full Pressure: USWNT Opens April Friendlies Against Japan
- Sidney Walker
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
With Swanson still on leave, Wilson and Rodman carry the attacking load as the US squares off against Japan across three April friendlies.
This Saturday, the U.S. Women's National Team kicks off its three-game run against Japan. The USWNT will be seeking redemption following their last meeting with Japan in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup final, where the Japanese side came away with a 2-1 win over the American team. Both teams meet this weekend, coming off their respective tournament highs. The USWNT finished the last international window by winning their eighth SheBelieves Cup, keeping a clean sheet in the tournament. Japan's side also took gold in the Women's Asian Cup for the third time, causing Australia to face another home soil loss. The teams now enter this stretch of international friendlies, both hoping to continue their winning streaks.
Gearing up to face Japan for the first time in over a year, Emma Hayes has made six changes to her roster, including the addition of two notable names. Sophia Wilson, formerly Sophia Smith, makes her first USWNT appearance since she announced her pregnancy in early March of 2025. The forward has become a household name in recent years following her powerful appearance in the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics as a member of the US's front line, affectionately dubbed "Triple Espresso." Unfortunately, Wilson will only be a double Espresso alongside fellow forward Trinity Rodman this stretch of friendlies, as Mallory Swanson is still on maternity leave. Wilson made her NWSL return for the Portland Thorns in their opening match against the Washington Spirit on March 13th. The forward has already rejoined Portland's starting lineup and hopes to make a strong impact by adding to her 24 goals scored with the national team.
Another significant addition to the roster is defender Tierna Davidson. The Gotham City player returned to the pitch in late March after sustaining an ACL injury at the beginning of the 2025 NWSL regular season. Davidson has been a strong USWNT player since her first cap in 2018. She was a part of the FIFA Women's World Cup winning squad of 2019 and helped lead the team to their gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. Davidson was also a powerhouse during Gotham's 2024 NWSL season, earning 56 clearances and helping the team secure 9 clean sheets. She aims to recreate this phenomenal defense against Japan, a team that scored a total of 29 goals during the Asian Cup.
While the return of these veteran players will be followed closely, it is important to keep an eye on the team's younger players, a group that is set to continue to make a huge impact on the national stage. Forward Alyssa Thompson has been sending shock waves through the soccer world, especially after joining England powerhouse Chelsea FC. Most recently, Thompson scored the game-winning goal in the SheBelieves Cup. Following in her sister's footsteps, defender Gisele Thompson has been making her mark, earning herself two starts during SheBelieves. She's shown herself to be an incredibly adaptive player, a skill that Japan's tactical flexibility will require. Lastly, although she didn't make a huge impact during the SheBelieves Cup, Olivia Moultrie is still a great player to keep an eye on. She has broken many NWSL records during her career, and most recently, she became the youngest player to reach 20 career goals. The young players will surely show their talent in the upcoming friendlies.
Other names returning to the squad include veteran Jane Campbell, who takes the place of Utah Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. Alongside Davidson, defenders Emily Sams and Avery Patterson take the places of Jordyn Bugg, Tara Rudd, and Kate Wiesner. Hayes has elected to only call up seven midfielders this international window, leaving North Carolina's Riley Jackson off the roster. Forward Michelle Cooper took the place of Maddie Dahlien, and the 26th roster spot went to Sophia Wilson. The extra forward position will come in handy against Japan, who conceded only 1 goal during their last tournament.
The USWNT will play their first game in San Jose, California, at PayPal Park on April 11th at 5:30 EST. The next game will follow on Tuesday, April 14, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, starting at 10pm EST. The final match between the two nations will occur in Commerce City, Colorado, at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, one of the homes to the newest NWSL team. This game will take place on Friday, April 17th at 9pm EST, wrapping up the April international friendlies. All of the games will be available to watch in English on TNT, truTV and HBOMax, and in Spanish on Universo and Peacock.