Rose Lavelle Marked Her 100th Start With a Goal and an Assist, and the USWNT Crushed Japan in San Jose

Rose Lavelle turned her milestone moment into a masterclass on Saturday. In her 100th start for the U.S. women's national team, the midfielder scored and assisted in the Americans' 2-1 victory over Japan in San Jose, California, to kick off a three-match series between the two powerhouses.

It was the kind of performance that reminds you why Lavelle is one of the most dangerous players in international soccer. She didn't just show up for her 119th cap. She dominated.

Lavelle Sets the Tone Early

The U.S. struck fast. Sophia Wilson drew a foul in the opening minutes, and on the restart, Trinity Rodman sent a flighted ball into the box. Lavelle was waiting at the left post. She flicked it past Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita with her left foot in the 9th minute for her 28th goal with the national team.

The early lead should have led to a rout, but Alyssa Thompson missed an unmarked chance at the left post just 14 minutes later when she couldn't convert a cross from Wilson. That miss felt like it could've mattered.

It didn't, thanks to Lavelle's second contribution. After the break, high pressure from Gisele Thompson forced a turnover. Lavelle burst down the left channel and found Lindsey Heaps on the run in the 48th minute. Heaps finished with her left foot for her 40th goal, extending the U.S. lead to 2-0.

Japan Breaks Through, But It's Too Late

Japan finally cracked the code in the 61st minute. Riko Ueki came on at the start of the second half and punished a momentary lapse from the Americans, heading home a pass from Honoka Hayashi to cut it to 2-1. That goal snapped the USWNT's scoreless streak at 865 minutes. Ueki nearly forced overtime with an 8-yard shot in the 78th minute, but Claudia Dickey made the save.

The Thompsons made history of their own, becoming the first sisters to start together for the USWNT. Alyssa and Gisele broke the previous record held by Samantha and Kristie Mewis, who started together three times.

Wilson returned in a big way, playing her first USWNT match since October 2024 and her first start since the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She gave birth to a daughter in September 2025 and looked sharp on the pitch.

What's Next

The series continues Tuesday in Seattle before heading to Commerce City, Colorado, for the final match on Friday. The Americans are clicking early.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.