USA's Sophia Wilson Returns After Nearly Two-Year Hiatus In Win Over Japan

Sophia Wilson, after giving birth to her daughter Gigi in September, returned to the United States Women's starting lineup for the first time since 2024. 

Wilson, who earned her 59th cap and 41st start on the night, hadn’t shared the pitch with fellow "Triple Espresso" member Trinity Rodman in 17 months. 

After a brief feeling-out period, though, the pair looked like they hadn’t missed a beat up top.

(Getty Images Sport)

Wilson told reporters this week that she’s gone with a slicked-back low bun — easy and efficient, two very important traits when you’re a new mom. 

Wilson, who gave birth to her daughter Gigi in September, has returned to action with the Portland Thorns this NWSL season and was called back into USA camp for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics for this window against Japan.

"I feel more grounded, more present, and I think that’s how I view the game as well," Wilson said ahead of her first match back with the national team.

"I realized that my career is going by, and while I’m still in my prime years, I want to enjoy it all. You can’t play soccer forever, unfortunately. So I think just being present, more than anything, is what I’m trying to take from being a mom."

While Wilson didn’t find the back of the net — a familiar sight for a striker with 24 USA goals — she was directly involved in several chances across her 67 minutes. 

Whether it was her service to the far post, runs in behind Japan’s press, or her off-ball movement creating space for players like Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps pushing higher, Wilson’s impact was clear.

In the postgame press conference, Emma Hayes made a point to highlight that effort. 

"That’s the first time Soph’s had to play in a game at that level since the Olympic