The U.S. women’s national team’s current unbeaten run was ended at 10.
Japan edged Emma Hayes’ squad by a 1-0 scoreline at Lumen Field in Seattle on Tuesday night, rebounding in this three-match April series. Maika Hamano’s first-half goal was all the visitors needed to hand the USWNT their first defeat since October 2025.
It also marked the first time the Americans had been shutout in their last 23 matches (0-0 draw with England, November 2024).
Hamano’s lone strike came in the 27th minute as she danced past Lilly Reale before drilling a looping left-footed shot past USWNT goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Jaedyn Shaw’s early effort was denied before Emma Sears saw two positive scoring chances denied by Japan’s Akane Okuma.
Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, and Tierna Davidson all came off the bench in the second half, but couldn’t help the Americans find an equalizer. Davidson was making her first USWNT appearance since February 2025 after being sidelined longterm due to a torn ACL.
Tullis-Joyce finished with four saves and was one of the lone bright spots for the Americans, keeping Japan from further bolstering their lead.
The USWNT will aim to rebound against Japan on Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.