Emma Hayes hails USWNT's evolution after 10th straight win - ESPN

The United States women's national team defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday at Paypal Park in San Jose, California, to win a 10th straight match, and head coach Emma Hayes said the team's evolution was evident in how it managed late pressure.

«I think 12 months ago, we might have drawn this game,» Hayes said in her postgame news conference. «I think the progress is in staying in the game and not conceding a second goal.»

Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps gave the United States a 2-0 lead, but Riko Ueki cut the deficit in the second half and nearly scored an equalizer moments later amid defensive lapses for the Americans. Saturday was the first of three meetings in a week between the United States and Japan.

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Hayes said she wanted an experienced lineup in the first match against Japan, and it was the USWNT's two most-capped players who scored. Lavelle also assisted Heaps' goal.

«I think when you play top teams, you need calm heads, and Rose has that in abundance,» Hayes said. «It's why she's one of the best players in the world.»

Sophia Wilson added further experience with her much anticipated return to the international stage. She started on Saturday and played for 67 minutes in her first international match in 17 months after giving birth to her daughter in September.

«I'm proud of her to come into that,» Hayes said. «And it takes a bit of time to find that rhythm and I think she gave it everything she could. One of the things I said to her is she's gotta build her way back to it, but I'm really pleased with her. It's a great, great start for her and something for her to build on.»

Lavelle opened the scoring nine minutes into the match when she glided through