Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
It is rare for a centerback to be the star of a team’s offensive showing, but on Friday night in Commerce City, Co., Kennedy Wesley was that centerback for the U.S. women’s national team in the team’s 3-0 victory over Japan. Amidst a veteran lineup that vastly improved the offense, the young defender shone bright in just 45 minutes.
Head coach Emma Hayes went with a blend of her two previous lineups on Friday, mixing a few younger players in with some of her most experienced players like Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle. As a result, the offense looked significantly better than it did on Tuesday in Seattle. The Americans forced Japan’s goalkeeper into several saves and created a lot of good opportunities, just missing the finish.
Out of halftime, the U.S.quickly found its breakthrough goal. Wilson forced a tough save with an early shot from distance and earned her team a corner kick. The service from Lavelled found Wesley at the back post, whose header perfectly found the head of her centerback partner, Naomi Girma. Wesley had just come on as a halftime sub for Tierna Davidson.
Less than 10 minutes later, the U.S. found a second goal. It was a well-executed quick attack in transition that took advantage of Japan’s high defensive line. From turnover to Heaps to Rodman and in behind the defense for Lavelle, who applied the calm finish.
Again, less than ten minutes after the previous goal, the U.S. added to its tally, but this time it was one of the less experienced players who scored their first for the senior national team. After earning the assist on the opener, Wesley converted her own finish off a corner kick with a brilliant and difficult back-post finish.
That was not the end of the chance creation, but as more substitutes came in, the rhythm found by the veterans and ‘Double Espresso’ lessened, and no more goals were scored. This result means that the Americans finish their trio of friendlies against Japan having won 2-1 and 3-0, and lost 0-1.
