The United States Women’s National Team suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Spain. The Americans struggled to overcome the reigning world champions and were shut out in front of a sold-out crowd at Audi Field.
Head coach Emma Hayes started Claudia Dickey in goal with Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Kennedy Wesley, and Avery Patterson on the backline. Lily Yohannes, Lindsey Heaps, and Rose Lavelle made up the midfield behind Sophia Wilson. Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson were on the wings.
Here are three thoughts from the game:
Reigning and Former World Champs
Spain immediately took control of the game and opened the scoring in no time. Patri Guijarro sent a bullet into the far post in the third minute after a series of one-touch passes.
The Spaniards’ classic tiki-taka befuddled the Americans early on. The opposition’s aggressive press and overloads forced turnovers and the short passes made it difficult for the U.S. to regain possession.
The second goal came in the 14th minute after Eva Navarro made an unmarked run into the box and volleyed a cross from Salma Paralluelo into the net.
Spain had no problem running through the central channel as Heaps and Yohannes were islands in the midfield. The U.S. was often too stretched, making it easier for Spain to isolate the two or move around them. The lack of support for the midfield was one thing Hayes critiqued after the game.
"We have to position any midfielder to be in a better place to be able to manage the quality of their players when they play close together,” she said. “You can't have big gaps.”
Fox, Lavelle, and Thompson seemed to be among the few players that stood out in the first half. Offensively, Fox utilized the right flank well, often threading the ball up for Thompson. Lavelle showed her knack for distributing the ball, which continued through the second half.
Both teams attempted six shots in the first half. Spain (57 percent possession) had three on target, while the U.S. had four. Possession in the second half was nearly level, and the U.S. continued to try for goal.
Wilson took some time to grow into the game and ended the match with three shots (two on target). She found the back of the net in the 53rd minute, but the goal was disallowed for being offside.
Rodman came alive in the second half and was involved in more plays; she took two shots that were both saved.
Spain’s Athenea was shown a red card in the 90th minute after pulling Michelle Cooper’s hair. The U.S. spent the remaining four minutes of stoppage time in Spain’s half but did not convert anything despite the one-player advantage.
By the final whistle, the Americans had recorded 27 touches in the box and seven shots, six of which were on target, in the second half. Spain was reduced to five touches in the box and zero shots.
The game came down to Spain being more efficient, according to Hayes. Her players produced better chances but had poor execution.
“I’d rather be in the position that we're in than the other one. To be in a position to create that many chances, I want to be in that one. We create the most chances in world football, but finishing, we do not do that in world football,” she said. “I wasn't concerned about us creating today, and I'm not concerned about us finishing. Just have to lock in, get the details right, and keep working on it.
The Penalty Kick
The Americans were awarded a penalty kick after Wilson was taken down in the box in the second half. To the surprise of many, Yohannes stepped up to take the penalty. At just 19 years of age, she is the youngest on the roster. Spain goalie Adriana Nanclares blocked the shot after Yohannes stutter-stepped and kicked a low ball to the keeper.
The teenager said after the game that she was second on the list to take penalties. Heaps would have been the first choice, but she was substituted minutes before.
“Took the pen, missed; it’s my responsibility,” Yohannes said. “I took initiative to take it and didn't score.”
Hayes stood by the decision to have Yohannes take the kick.
“A lot of this prep is done in the background, based on who the very best penalty takers are, so she wouldn't be put there if she didn't consistently strike the back of the net,” the coach said. “But that's part of managing the pressure in the moment, so I think she'll be better for it.”
Familiar Faces
Mallory Swanson and Ashley Sanchez, both of whom have not made a USWNT appearance since late 2024, entered the game at the 66th minute.
“This is somewhere I played for a long time, so it felt a little bit at home,” Sanchez said, recalling her years with the Washington Spirit. “I'm really excited and happy to get this opportunity. Yeah, just kind of a full circle moment to come back here and get a cap after a really long time.”
Sanchez replaced Thompson on the wing. Shortly after subbing in, Sanchez recovered a loose ball and started the counterattack. She passed the ball up to Wilson, who then sprinted toward the goal to give her teammate options. The sequence resulted in the foul that led to the penalty.
Sanchez continued to supply service in the box from the left flank, but no chances were converted. She recorded one shot.
“I'm in a little bit of a different position, so I think I'm just trying to learn and adapt as quickly as possible to what [Hayes] wants for me in my new position,” she said after the game.
Swanson only had 11 touches during her time on the pitch, but had her part in getting a few balls up to the final third. After the match, she expressed how grateful she was to be back playing with the national team.
“Physically, I'm feeling better and better,” Swanson said. “Obviously, coming back from a baby is completely different than an injury, and everybody's body is completely different, so it was definitely a learning curve.”
The USWNT will face Spain for a final time on Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m. in Chester, Pennsylvania. Fans will be able to watch on TNT, HBO Max, Universo, and Peacock.
