World No 1 Spain delivered an early statement against the United States on Saturday, racing to a 2-0 lead inside the first quarter-hour at Audi Field and holding on for a statement win over the Olympic champions in their first meeting since October 2022.
The defending world champions needed only three minutes to break the deadlock, as Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro curled a stunning effort from 20 yards past a US side still searching for its defensive shape after a turnover. Spain doubled their advantage in the 14th minute when Salma Paralluelo got the better of American defender Tierna Davidson down the left flank and squared the ball to an unmarked Eva Navarro, who finished first-time on the run.
It marked the first time the United States had trailed by two goals under head coach Emma Hayes, and the hosts struggled to find rhythm for much of the opening 45 minutes, with sloppy passing and mistimed runs undermining their attacking efforts. A combination from Rose Lavelle, Sophia Wilson and Alyssa Thompson broke down on the counter, while Wilson rattled the post before the break.
Both teams were missing significant pieces of their first-choice lineups. The Americans were without center-back Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey, both sidelined through injury, while Spain's absentee list included Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, Vicky Lopez, Mariona Caldentey and Cata Coll, with Clàudia Pina and Mapi León pulling out of camp on the eve of the match.
The second half told a different story, as the US adjusted their pressing structure and began to dominate possession and chances, finishing with a 13-6 edge in shots overall. Spain failed to register a single shot on target after the interval. Wilson thought she had pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a video review.
The Americans were handed a lifeline in the 67th minute when Wilson won a penalty after being fouled by Natalia Ramos inside the box. In a surprising decision, 19-year-old Lily Yohannes stepped up to take it instead of regular NWSL spot-kick specialist Wilson, who has converted all 11 of her penalty attempts in the league. Yohannes later explained she was next in line on the team's designated order of takers, behind Lindsey Heaps. Goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares guessed correctly and saved the effort, keeping the US scoreless.
Forward Mallory Swanson entered as a second-half substitute, making her first national team appearance in 710 days following maternity leave, while Ashley Sanchez also returned to the fold for her first minutes since October 2023 after an impressive NWSL campaign with the North Carolina Courage. Sanchez nearly found the net in the 88th minute but lost her footing just as she connected with a cross.
As the match wore on, Spain grew increasingly physical, committing 12 fouls compared to the Americans' four, and finished the contest with ten players after Athenea del Castillo was sent off in stoppage time for pulling an opponent's hair.
Reflecting on the defeat, Hayes acknowledged the difficulty of the circumstances but pointed to the manner of the goals conceded as the key takeaway. "You can't afford to go 2-0 down against the best team in the world, especially the way we conceded those goals," she said. "That's the learning."
Forward Trinity Rodman struck a more measured tone about the loss, noting the value of facing top-tier opposition ahead of next year's World Cup. "There's going to be games like that, and I'm happy it's not the World Cup right now," she said. "You take what you can from this game and go into the next game."
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania, with the Americans seeking to avoid consecutive scoreless performances for the first time since the 2023 World Cup.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.