The U.S. women’s national team are set to continue their three-match international window on Tuesday against Japan at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The match is close to breaking a record, with 35,000 tickets sold.
The previous record crowd for a women’s soccer game in Seattle was in 2023, when 34,130 attended Lumen Field for Megan Rapinoe’s final home club game.
An exciting sequel is anticipated between Japan and the United States, following a 2-1 victory on Saturday in San Jose.
Hayes Plans Player Rotation
Emma Hayes has stated her intention to rotate players throughout this international window; this means there could be multiple changes for match two.
After the game, Hayes said she wanted to see a different side to the team in the second game with a less experienced group, and see the progress that has been made in the last 12 months. Knowing it’s not going to be the first time they’ve faced Japan, she wants to see the progress from since the last time.
Players to Watch
Rose Lavelle delivered a vintage midfield performance on Saturday, demonstrating her importance in the middle third with a goal and an assist.
With personnel changes planned, it remains to be seen which players will help the USWNT control a second consecutive game against Japan.
Sophia Wilson may feature off the bench, after starting in game one, though Hayes has indicated a less experienced group will be involved in match two.
Hayes said that she wanted to put a lot of experience in the first game. She also wanted to play, particularly in midfield, a Six and an Eight, as opposed to a double six and felt that it was the right game to start Sophia Wilson, knowing she’d probably only play 60 minutes.
Japan’s Strengths
Japan are the current AFC Women’s Asian Cup winners, having lifted the continental championship just last month and are a top squad in the world.
Despite a change in coaching, with Nils Nielsen’s contract expired and Michihisa Kano officially the interim manager, the roster is in strong form.
Like the USWNT, any player rotation won’t necessarily feel like a massive shift on the pitch.
- USWNT face Japan at Lumen Field in Seattle.
- 35,000 tickets have been sold.
- Emma Hayes plans to rotate players.
The USWNT will also face Japan on Friday, April 17 in Commerce City, Co.