Sophia Wilson, Tierna Davidson return to USWNT roster for Japan friendlies

U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has recalled Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson for the first time since the 24-goal international became a mother, and has also restored Gotham FC center back Tierna Davidson after an 11-month ACL rehabilitation as the squad prepares for three friendlies against Asian Cup holders Japan on April 11, 14 and 17.

Wilson, who last appeared for the U.S. in October 2024 before taking maternity leave, will rejoin attacking band-mate Trinity Rodman to reform two-thirds of the popular “Triple Espresso” front line. The 28-year-old has logged progressively longer NWSL cameos since returning—15, 30, 45 and 68 minutes—convincing Hayes that her hold-up play and defensive pressing remain intact despite limited minutes with the Thorns.

Davidson, 26, earned her first call-up since tearing an ACL last March and returning to club duty on March 21. The reigning NWSL champion’s inclusion suggests Hayes sees the former Stanford standout as part of the core group heading toward summer World Cup qualifying, even if her minutes are managed carefully during the window.

Kansas City Current winger Michelle Cooper is also back in the fold after injury kept her out of earlier 2025 camps.

The trio headline a 26-player roster that will meet Japan at PayPal Park in San Jose, Lumen Field in Seattle and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. Japan, ranked fifth in the world, defeated the Americans 2-1 in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup final and arrive buoyant after last month’s Asian Cup triumph.

Hayes has retained seven of the eight midfielders who competed in February’s SheBelieves Cup, with only Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage) omitted. Jaedyn Shaw, nursing a hamstring, is nevertheless included after strong showings in prior camps, while Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Olivia Moultrie arrive off impressive club form.

In goal, Jane Campbell returns for the first time since the SheBelieves Cup finale against these same Japanese. The Houston Dash captain has produced 12 saves and two clean sheets through three NWSL matches, saving 85.7 percent of shots on target. Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce round out the keeper corps.

Defensively, Davidson’s comeback means Hayes left Washington Spirit’s Tara Rudd off the sheet. Emily Fox, Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett anchor a back line that could see Emily Sams shifted inside after the Angel City full-back helped her club to a record 3-0 start and one shutout.

Up top, Wilson and Rodman are joined by Alyssa Thompson, Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, Michelle Cooper and Jameese Joseph, giving Hayes multiple pace options against a technically gifted Japanese side.

With World Cup qualifiers looming, the three-game set offers Wilson valuable time to adapt to Hayes’ system and rekindle on-field relationships with teammates who have shouldered heavier loads during her absence. It also provides Davidson a platform to regain full-match sharpness ahead of a congested summer calendar.

Kickoff from San Jose is set for 7 p.m. PT on April 11, followed by Seattle’s Lumen Field on April 14 and Colorado’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on April 17.