COMMERCE CITY — On a cold Denver night, the U.S. Women’s National Team was red-hot. 

In the finale of a three-game series with Japan, three goals in the second half lifted the U.S. Women’s National Team to a 3-0 win in front of 17,589 fans at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The win on Friday comes after a 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday, which snapped the USWNT’s 10-game winning streak. 

The match started with a frustrating first half. Still, the USA managed to turn things around quickly, starting with a goal by defender Naomi Girma in the 47th minute off a first international assist from defender Kennedy Wesley.

“It’s a great way to end camp,” Windsor native Sophia Wilson said. “We were just patient and kept doing what we were doing. We were doing good all around, just needed that final piece. We knew the goals would come, it was just a matter of time.” 

Midfielder Rose Lavelle landed the second goal for the home team in the 56th minute off an assist by Trinity Rodman. It was Lavelle’s 10th contribution in 10 games. 

Wesley recorded her first international goal in the 64th minute off an assist from midfielder Jaedyn Shaw to put the U.S. up 3-0. Wesley returns to Colorado next week with the San Diego Wave to face Denver Summit FC. 

“It’s really exciting,” Wesley said. “(Shaw) played in the perfect ball, and I was in the perfect place at the same time. I couldn’t dream of it.”

The first half Friday ended scoreless on both sides, although the United States saw several opportunities with nine shot attempts and two shots on goal with 69.7% of possession time. In the fourth minute of added stoppage time, a header from Tierna Davidson just missed the goal to the left. 

Both Colorado natives Lindsey Heaps and Wilson were in the starting lineup on Friday. Heaps had one shot and one foul before being replaced by Sam Coffey in the 56th minute, while Wilson had four shots before being subbed out in the 73rd minute.  

“It was freezing. I don’t miss that about Colorado, but the fans showed up regardless,” Wilson said. “Playing here brings out the little girl in me because I have so many memories here.”

The next time Golden native Heaps will be in Colorado will be in a green uniform with the Summit, and the soccer community is ready for the hometown hero. Several fans donned Summit jerseys and scarves Friday night, with many planning to return next Saturday for its home match. 

Heaps predicts it will be an emotional homecoming in July.

“To see my hometown fans, Summit fans and my family in the crowd … seeing those jerseys. … It’s actually real,” Heaps said. “You don’t have that feeling until you’re here. I’m really proud we could walk off with a win today.”