The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) is nearing the conclusion of its April 2026 international window under head coach Emma Hayes. The current three-match series against Japan is deadlocked after the two teams split the opening two matches.
The USWNT secured a 2-1 victory in the first game on April 11 in San Jose, with Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps providing the goals for the U.S. side.
Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
However, Japan answered back on April 14 in Seattle with a 1-0 win. Maika Hamano scored the only goal of that match, effectively snapping the USWNT's 10-game winning streak and leveling the series.
Kelley O'Hara on the USWNT Roster
Former USWNT player Kelley O'Hara shared her perspective on the roster selections made by coach Emma Hayes, expressing her surprise that Tara Rudd was not included in the squad.
"I will say the biggest shock to me was no Tara Rudd...this is to go back on my point of like club performance matters. And not to say that Tara is having bad club performance, but overall Spirit's had a kind of so-so start to the season, so I don't know if that's contributing or maybe it's something else. Like, we're sitting here as analysts and who knows, there might be some other reason," she said.
O'Hara also noted her surprise regarding Croix Bethune's absence.
Bethune has been in exceptional form following a high-profile, million-dollar trade from the Washington Spirit to the Kansas City Current in February 2026. Despite her performance, she was not selected for this window.
"And also, Croix Bethune. I think Croix Bethune is one of my favorite players to watch and I think she could do really incredible things for the national team. So I was shocked that she wasn't called in because I think she's the caliber of player that should be in that team."
