Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson Make USWNT Comebacks for Japan Friendlies
Sophia Wilson is set to make her long-awaited return to the United States women's national team, as head coach Emma Hayes has named a 23-player roster for a trio of upcoming friendlies against Japan. Wilson, who last played for the US in October 2024, has been absent due to pregnancy and maternity leave, marking a significant comeback for the 25-year-old forward.
Wilson's Journey Back to the Pitch
Wilson announced her pregnancy in March 2025 and did not feature for the US or her club team, the Portland Thorns, throughout that year. Her daughter, Gianna, was born in September 2025. She made her return from maternity leave for the Thorns last month, starting her first game in a victory over the Kansas City Current. Despite not scoring yet, Wilson has shown promising initiative in pressing and off-ball movement, logging 158 minutes across four matches as she works towards regaining her world-class form.
Davidson's Recovery from ACL Injury
Joining Wilson in the squad is Gotham FC defender Tierna Davidson, who returns after missing approximately a year with a torn ACL. Davidson has come off the bench in Gotham's last three NWSL matches, demonstrating her fitness and readiness to contribute. Her inclusion reinforces the program's confidence in her recovery, as she brings veteran awareness, aerial defending, and distribution skills to complement Naomi Girma in the backline.
Hayes's Crystallizing Core Ahead of World Cup Qualifying
With the Concacaf W Championship approaching, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, Hayes is focusing on establishing continuity in the squad. After experimenting with depth and giving debuts to 27 players, she is now honing in on a core group. Notable returnees include goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who has seemingly supplanted Casey Murphy as the veteran option, and other key players like Emily Fox, Lilly Reale, and Rose Lavelle, who is in exceptional form.
Youth and Experience Blend in the Roster
The USWNT roster showcases a blend of youth and experience, with several up-and-coming talents making their mark. Young players such as Olivia Moultrie (20), Lily Yohannes (18), and Jaedyn Shaw (21) bring fresh energy and skill, while veterans like Davidson and Campbell provide stability. This mix positions the team strongly for both immediate challenges and future competitions, highlighting a squad built for sustained success.
Japan: A Formidable Opponent
Japan presents a tough test for the USWNT, having won the AFC Women's Asian Cup earlier this year in dominant fashion, conceding only one goal and scoring 29. The friendlies will take place on 11 April in San Jose, California, 14 April in Seattle, and 17 April in suburban Denver, offering crucial preparation ahead of World Cup qualifying.
Full USWNT Roster for Japan Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United).
Defenders: Tierna Davidson (Gotham), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham), Emily Sams (Angel City), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Gisele Thompson (Angel City), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave).
Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes).
Forwards: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns).
This roster reflects Hayes's strategic vision as the USWNT aims to build momentum and solidify its core ahead of critical upcoming tournaments.
