The U.S. women's national team drew 2-2 with Spain on Sunday in Chester, Pennsylvania, with 18,648 fans attending. Mallory Swanson equalized in the 86th minute after Spain's Alexia Putellas had given the visitors a lead.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes stated after the match, "They're the best team in the world. I didn't learn anything that I didn't already know," according to CBS Sports. The result underscores the competitive gap the USWNT faces ahead of the 2027 World Cup, where Spain enters as the top-ranked team.
Ashley Sanchez scored in her first start since October 2024, securing her first goal since 2022. The N.C. Courage winger demonstrated ability to break down Spanish defense by taking on two defenders before finishing. Rose Lavelle told CBS Sports that Sanchez "capitalized on the opportunities that she was given, and she did great," and praised Swanson's return from having a baby, saying the comeback is "no easy feat at all."
The USWNT's attack remains a strength. Swanson produced four goals and two assists in six matches at the 2024 Olympics, making her recovery to form critical for the squad. Kate Del Fava also recorded an assist in her USWNT debut, maintaining an undefeated record when Hayes debuts new players.
Hayes has used 46 players this year, a new record, as she evaluates options for the 2027 tournament. Naomi Girma, a key defensive player, was unavailable for this camp due to a Chelsea injury. The USWNT will compete in the Concacaf W Championship facing El Salvador in November, which serves as World Cup qualifying. The shorter gap between camps compared to the June Brazil match and October Spain game will allow Hayes to build continuity faster.
CBS Sports notes that while the USWNT won gold at the 2024 Olympics, consistency remains lacking. Spain's defensive structure and counter-attacking efficiency exposed tactical vulnerabilities in the American squad, particularly in transition moments and positioning.