Spain stunned the United States with two early goals to take a 2-0 lead inside the first 14 minutes of their international friendly at Audi Field in Washington. The Americans missed several scoring chances throughout the match, including a penalty kick, as Spain held on to their advantage in front of a sellout crowd of 19,220.
Spain’s first goal came just three minutes in when Laia Codina won the ball in midfield and quickly set up Patri Guijarro, whose right-footed strike from outside the box found the far side-netting. The visitors doubled their lead in the 14th minute after a swift counterattack. A long ball from goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares reached Edna Imade, who released Salma Paralluelo down the left wing. Paralluelo’s chipped cross found Eva Navarro unmarked for a close-range finish.
This was only the third time in 96 matches over five and a half years that the U.S. Women’s National Team had fallen two goals behind. The Americans, ranked No. 2 and defending Olympic champions, tried to respond but struggled to convert their chances. Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson, and Sophia Wilson all threatened, with Wilson hitting the crossbar and Lily Yohannes missing narrowly.
The U.S. created sustained pressure in the second half. Rodman set up Wilson, who appeared to score, but video replay showed she was offside by a step. Coach Emma Hayes brought on fresh legs, including Ashley Sanchez, the NWSL leading scorer making her first U.S. appearance in two years, and Mallory Swanson, returning after the 2024 Olympics. The trio of Rodman, Sanchez, and Wilson formed the “Triple Espresso” attack for the first time since the Olympics.
Sanchez’s introduction sparked a penalty opportunity when Wilson was fouled inside the box. Yohannes, the team’s youngest player at 19 and playing near her hometown of Springfield, Virginia, stepped up to take the spot kick. However, her stutter step telegraphed the shot, allowing Nanclares to dive right and block it.
Despite late pressure, the Americans could not find a breakthrough. Spain’s Athenea del Castillo received a red card for pulling substitute Michelle Cooper’s hair in the closing moments, but the U.S. failed to capitalize before the final whistle.
The match was the first of two friendlies between the top-ranked Spain and second-ranked U.S. before the Americans shift focus to CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in Dallas next month. The U.S. will need just one win, expected against 78th-ranked El Salvador, to continue their streak of appearances in all 10 Women’s World Cups.
Before kickoff, Crystal Dunn was honoured for her 12-year international career, including 160 caps, a World Cup title, and an Olympic gold medal. Hayes praised Dunn’s influence as a role model for young black girls across the country. Newcomers Trinity Byars, Jordan Silkowitz, and Evelyn Shores were not in the matchday squad, leaving the active roster at 23 players.
The teams will meet again on Tuesday at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
According to Yahoo Sports.
