Rose Lavelle marked her 100th start for the United States women’s national team by recording a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Japan.
The 30-year-old midfielder moved into sole possession of 24th place on the all-time USWNT goalscoring list, passing icons Shannon Boxx and Joy Fawcett.
She scored the match’s opening goal by combining with Sam Coffey and Trinity Rodman. Coffey lofted a free kick into Japan’s box, which was volleyed centrally by Rodman.
The Gotham FC star pounced and struck the U.S. ahead 1-0 in the ninth minute.
“I feel like I was [at the] right place, right time,” Lavelle said in the mixed zone following the win at San Jose’s PayPal Park.
She would later assist captain Lindsey Heaps in the 48th minute to double the Americans’ advantage to 2-0.
Hayes on Lavelle: ‘One of the Best in the World’

Following the victory, Lavelle was named the Woman of the Match. Head coach Emma Hayes spoke highly of Lavelle’s contributions and the calmness that she demonstrated against elite opposition.
“I think popping up for the first goal, she was in the right position and had the quality to put it away,” Hayes said during her post-match press conference. “It’s nice for the team to score from a set play. The second goal – really good play from Gisele [Thompson] and then a quick pass in to Rose, and we broke pressure. Again, good decision-making to find Lindsey [Heaps].
“I think when you play top teams, you need really calm heads, and Rose has that in abundance. It’s why she’s one of the best players in the world. I thought she grew into the game in the second half.”
Lavelle on Facing Japan: ‘You Have To Be Switched on Every Moment’

It was the USWNT’s 10th consecutive victory. The Americans will play two more friendlies against Japan on April 14 and April 18.
“They’re such a tough team to play against, not just with us on the ball but defending them, you have to be so switched on in every single moment, or they can hurt you,” Lavelle said. “It’s such a great opportunity for us to learn and grow and get better.”
Lavelle became the 31st player to make 100 international starts for the United States, and she tied legendary forward Abby Wambach as the 14th fastest player to reach that mark for the national team.
It was also Lavelle’s fifth career match where she contributed at least one goal and one assist.
The United States will play their second international friendly against Japan on Tuesday night at Seattle’s Lumen Field, with kick-off set for 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
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