Lindsey Heaps is back in the NWSL, as the longtime USWNT captain made her debut for No. 10 Denver on Saturday — wearing the armband in a 2-1 win over No. 4 Portland inside a sold-out Centennial Stadium.
Coloradoans carried the day, as Highlands Ranch native Janine Sonis pulled the Summit level after Windsor’s Sophia Wilson nailed a first-half penalty, while rookie Natalie Means scored the game-winner in the 86th minute.
Golden product Heaps signed with her hometown club in January but delayed her arrival to finish the season with OL Lyonnes, returning to the NWSL after the secondary transfer window opened.
Heaps, who played for the Thorns from 2016 to 2021 before spending the last five seasons with the French titan, praised the league she left behind.
“Everything the organization has done — the ownership, and from there down, I think we’ve just done it in such a proper way,” the 32-year-old told reporters.
“We’ve been in clubs that are very, very professional and the top of their leagues, and to see it happen here in the NWSL, it makes it very easy for us to come in and do our job.”
“We both grew up here,” Sonis said of her teammate. “I continue to pinch myself in these moments — we need to continue to deliver performances like this.”
Denver has its work cut out for it on Sunday, taking on Trinity Rodman and No. 1 Washington at 7 PM ET (Victory+).
Sophia Wilson added another line to the NWSL scoring record books on Sunday, notching her 50th career goal to cap Portland's 4-0 win over Racing Louisville FC.
Sophia Wilson's Goal Puts Her in Elite NWSL Scoring Company
The Thorns forward is only the ninth player in league history to reach the milestone. She got there in just 89 regular-season appearances, making her the third-fastest to do it behind Sam Kerr and Lynn Biyendolo.
That pace stands out even more given Wilson's interrupted path.
The 2020 No. 1 overall pick lost her entire rookie season to the pandemic, then sat out all of 2025 on maternity leave. Still, the 2022 NWSL MVP and 2023 Golden Boot winner hasn't slowed down since returning to the pitch.
Sunday's game against Racing Louisville was Wilson's sixth NWSL goal of the current campaign. The in-form striker has also managed to net goals for the USWNT after returning for a pair of tough games in Brazil.
The Portland Thorns Climb the NWSL Standings
Portland's win moved the Thorns into second place in the NWSL standings, one point behind league-leaders, the San Diego Wave. With Wilson producing at this clip, Portland looks well-positioned heading into the second half of the NWSL season.
Wilson's side will next face the Seattle Reign on Sunday, July 12 at 4 PM ET on ESPN.
Last night’s USWNT friendly was anything but, as the US edged out Brazil 1-0 in a wild, choppy, and chaotic clash that saw eight red-card ejections.
The Fortaleza showdown tallied 28 fouls, including more than 10 yellow cards. Brazil coach Arthur Elias, members of his staff, and As Canarinhas stars Bia Zaneratto, Tarciane, Kerolin, and Ludmila all earned reds.
It also marked the first US win over Brazil on Brazilian soil since 1997, after forward Sophia Wilson forced a 63rd-minute own goal for her second contribution in as many games.
After a week of chippy football and packed stadiums, the USWNT should leave with a better feel for the 2027 World Cup’s expected conditions — though they didn’t exactly charm the tournament’s host country.
“It’s a huge lack of respect, both from the refereeing and from their players,” Brazil midfielder Angelina said of the tense environment. “One of the USWNT players gave an interview saying it was a really nice atmosphere. But on the field, she was saying we were trash, that we didn’t know how to play football.”
“My job is to be a role model for my players,” said US coach Emma Hayes. “I can only talk about my behavior, and my behavior was good.”
The United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) just got its gold medal winning frontline back.
For the first time in nearly two years, the attacking trio known as "Triple Espresso" has fully reunited. Stars Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson are together again in São Paulo, preparing for a pair of friendlies against Brazil.
Triple Espresso's Return to Form Fuels USWNT Attack
The three forwards led the USWNT's 2024 Paris Olympics run, combining for 10 of the team's 12 goals. But roster changes, injuries, and life events have kept them from playing together on the national stage ever since.
Both Swanson and Wilson recently welcomed daughters, while Rodman battled through a nagging back injury during the 2025 NWSL season.
Now, the three stars are ready to build on their scoring chemistry as Emma Hayes's squad prepares for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Ahead of the team's first match on June 6th, Rodman, Wilson, and Swanson spoke to press about their reunion. The trio shared their respective experiences reintegrating with a younger, relatively inexperienced national side.
"Having my sisters back is amazing," Rodman said of the trio's time together in training camp. "And then on the field, I feel like our connection is so good. Being able to play with them again has been really good."
Rodman's been sparking winning momentum with the Washington Spirit this season. Wilson, meanwhile, is finding her scoring form for the Portland Thorns. The striker's netted five goals since stepping back onto the pitch in March 2026.
And Swanson — who returned to the Chicago Stars' starting lineup just last month — has already logged her first goal of the NWSL season.
"The team has done a lot in the time that Mal and I have been gone," Wilson said.
"But they’ve done a really good job of making sure that we are getting caught up and feel like when we come back into camp, we haven’t missed a beat and can kind of just get back on the ground and flying."
USWNT vs. Brazil Friendlies: Schedule, Game Times, and Broadcast
The upcoming friendlies will test the team's — and the Triple Espresso trio — against Brazil's aggressive, fast-paced style.
The two sides haven't met in South America since 2014, as Hayes hinted she hopes to test her squad's resilience against a passionate and vocal home crowd.
"Brazil’s always a really hard opponent... I think the biggest thing is controlling the game," Rodman said of the USWNT's strategy. "Being able to kind of dictate things will be important."
The US women's national team double-header against Brazil opens at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo on Saturday, June 6th. Coverage begins at 5:30 PM ET on TNT and HBO Max.
The Portland Thorns moved into first place in the NWSL standings with a 2-0 win over the San Diego Wave on Wednesday night.
The Thorns struck early to kick off the Portland vs. San Diego showdown, controlling key moments to secure the result at Providence Park.
Portland opened the scoring in the 10th minute as defender Marie Muller netted her first NWSL goal, assisted by Olivia Moultrie.
San Diego finished with more shots, but Portland's backline held firm. Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold came up with a key one-on-one save in the second half to preserve the lead.
In the 64th minute, Sophia Wilson — fresh off her 2025 maternity leave — scored her first home goal since November 2024. Wilson's strike subsequently sealed the win.
All three of Portland's home victories this season have come on a 2-0 scoreline, something head coach Robert Vilahamn said reflects the team's — and the crowd's — confidence.
“I don’t think you can find a spot in the world in the women’s game that has this kind of fan base and atmosphere,” Vilahamn told Oregon Live. “There’s nowhere near this loudness and support we have here and it gives us something extra.”
With the win, Portland overtakes San Diego to top the NWSL table. While the Thorns haven’t won the NWSL Shield since 2021, they're back in early position in what promises to be the longest season in league history.
Still, the group is keeping a steady approach.
“We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves," Arnold said. "It suits us better to take it game by game... We don’t really read into that too much.”
The Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave are kicking off another stacked midweek slate, as the NWSL looks to squeeze in matchdays ahead of June’s midseason World Cup break.
Tonight’s lineup is primed to shake up the NWSL standings, as No. 1 San Diego and No. 2 Portland square off with just two points between them.
“We know what San Diego is good at. I think they have been the best team in the league thus far,” said Thorns manager Robert Vilahamn.
The Wave won the pair’s first 2026 meeting 3-1 last month. San Diego is subsequently displaying confidence, especially after last weekend’s 3-2 comeback win over Denver
“We focus on our performances and the score will take care of itself,” said Wave head coach Jonas Eidevall. “We’re always performance focused.”
However, fans hoping to see a USWNT showdown between Portland’s Sophia Wilson and San Diego’s Catarina Macario have to wait. The former Chelsea attacker remains sidelined with a December 2025 heel injury.
How to Watch Portland vs San Diego in NWSL Midweek Action
The Portland Thorns hosts the San Diego Wave tonight at 10 PM ET, live on CBS Sports.
Saturday's USWNT vs Japan matchup ended in a 2-1 victory, as veterans Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps stepped up to take the first of three April friendlies between the women's soccer titans.
Lavelle struck in the ninth minute for her 28th career goal in her 100th USWNT start. Lavelle became the 31st player to reach the milestone, passing Shannon Boxx and Joy Fawcett to claim No. 24 on the all-time US scoring list.
Heaps doubled the lead early in the second half. With Rose Lavelle providing the assist, Heaps became the 16th USWNT player to register 40 career goals.
Japan answered in the 61st minute. Substitute Riko Ueki redirected a header past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Despite appearing marginally offside on replays, the strike marked the first goal the USWNT conceded in 2026.
"Twelve months ago, we might have drawn this game," said US manager Emma Hayes postgame. "The progress is in staying in the game and not conceding a second goal."
Hayes deployed veteran midfield trio Lavelle, Heaps, and Coffey, while giving forward Sophia Wilson her first national team start since the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wilson returned after giving birth to her daughter in August 2025, becoming the 18th mother to play for the USWNT.
"I'm proud of her," Hayes said of the striker. "It takes a bit of time to find that rhythm, and I think she gave it everything she could."
Wilson drew the eighth-minute foul that led to Lavelle's opening goal. She later combined with Heaps for a dangerous chance in the 21st minute, before exiting the match in the 67th minute.
Dickey finished the game with five saves. She made a close-range stop on a corner kick in the 79th minute, before collecting a looping header on the final play to preserve the victory.
How to Watch the Next USWNT vs Japan Friendly
The USWNT faces Japan again on Tuesday at 10 PM ET at Seattle's Lumen Field, live on TNT.
The USWNT returns to action Saturday against world No. 5 Japan, launching a three-friendly series against the Nadeshiko with several familiar faces rejoining the roster.
The No. 2 ranked United States last faced Japan at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, where the Nadeshiko stunned a young USWNT side 2-1 to claim the tournament title. Japan enters the series fresh off winning the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, defeating host Australia 1-0 in the final.
"For us, patience is the biggest part," said forward Trinity Rodman ahead of Saturday's rematch. "Finding the areas to exploit in the final third… just being smart in those moments that we can take advantage."
The match could reunite two-thirds of Triple Espresso as Sophia Wilson joins Rodman on the USWNT roster for the first time since the team's gold medal 2024 Paris Olympics campaign. The frontline duo previously combined for crucial goals during the Olympic run, including Rodman's extra-time winner against Japan in the quarterfinals.
Defender Tierna Davidson also makes her national team return after recovering from last year's ACL injury, providing additional depth to the backline as the team begins World Cup qualifying preparations.
"They're champions of Asia. They're easily one of the best teams in the world," USWNT manager Emma Hayes said of Japan. "I think this is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. So, what a great test for us."
Japan is competing under interim coach Michihisa Kano after parting ways with manager Nils Nielsen last week. The Nadeshiko compiled a 6-0 record at the Women's Asian Cup, outscoring opponents 29-1.
How to Watch the USWNT vs Japan Friendlies
The USWNT kicks off against Japan on Saturday at 5:30 PM ET in San Jose, live on TNT.
The series continues in Seattle on April 14th before culminating in Colorado's April 17th finale.
Another USWNT roster has arrived as coach Emma Hayes prepares her April squad for next week's three-friendly series against Japan. The lineup includes several significant returns to the national team.
Forward Sophia Wilson rejoins the squad for the first time since 2024 after returning from maternity leave. The 25-year-old gave birth to her daughter in September, and carries 58 caps and 24 international goals back to the team. Wilson was part of the "Triple Espresso" front line that helped lead the USA to the 2024 Olympic gold medal.
Defender Tierna Davidson earned her first call-up since tearing her ACL in April 2025. The 27-year-old has made a complete recovery from the injury and returns after a 13-month absence. Davidson holds 67 caps and three goals for the national team.
"What a long journey she's been on," Hayes said of Davidson. "She's shown once again not just her resilience, but her determination to bring her back to a great level."
As November's World Cup qualifiers inch closer, Hayes has begun favoring consistency over experimentation. The USWNT coach tapped zero uncapped players for just the second time since joining the team in May 2024.
"I think the team is completely different now than it was 12 months ago," Hayes said. "When I look at the starting XI then, and I look at the roster now, I think the roster is much more developed."
Forward Michelle Cooper also returns to the roster for the first time this year after recovering from injuries. The 26-player lineup features 19 NWSL players and seven currently competing in Europe.
Japan enters the FIFA window as 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup champions after defeating Australia in the final. The Nadeshiko outscored opponents 29-1 during their tournament run.
How to Watch April's USWNT vs. Japan Friendlies
The US kicks off its three-match series against Japan on April 11th at 5:30 PM ET, live on TNT.
The NWSL is kicking off the year with a double espresso, as Sophia Wilson and the Portland Thorns visit Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit in the league's 2026 season opener on Friday night.
The match is expected to feature Wilson's regular-season return, with the recently re-signed Thorns star taking the field for the first time since 2024 in a preseason friendly last week.
"Obviously I'm being very patient with myself," the new mom said ahead of Friday's clash. "I've just been so eager to get my first game minutes, so I feel like I checked that box. I feel good."
Washington superstar Rodman will aim to spoil her USWNT counterpart's big moment, however, as the world's newly minted highest-paid women's footballer hits the NWSL pitch after an offseason filled with contractual uncertainty.
"At the end of the day, we need to help her be as unpredictable as possible, and help her develop both personally and professionally," Washington manager Adrián González said of his franchise player.
Both teams will also be navigating high-profile departures from their midfields, after 2025 Thorns captain Sam Coffey signed with WSL side Manchester City in January and Spirit centerpiece Croix Bethune transferred to the Kansas City Current last month.
How to watch the first match of the 2026 NWSL season
The 2026 NWSL season kicks off with the Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns at 8 PM ET on Friday, airing live on Prime.