By OkayGoal
The friendlies between Spain and the U.S. have been the talk of the town– and rightfully so when taking into account that it could be a preview of things to come in the 2027 World Cup. The games provided plenty to talk about, with Spain taking the first matchup 2-0, followed up by a 2-2 draw in the second.
The two teams were missing key contributors on both sides, with Aitana Bonmatí and Naomi Girma being just a few to come to mind. Nonetheless, the two games produced plenty of standout performers, giving both countries even more to be excited about as 2027 rapidly approaches.
Alexia Putellas
It’s no surprise that the two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin and Spain’s all-time cap leader had her fingerprints all over the two games. Putellas’ leadership and prowess in the midfield was apparent from the get-go, even while battling through a knock she had picked up while playing with London City.
Putellas’ presence was especially felt in the second game, where she opened the game’s scoring with a tap-in courtesy of Clara Serrajordi. Only five minutes later, Putellas was there to capitalize on a mistake from U.S. goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, getting possession in the midfield, and then sending a ball to Salma Paralluelo’s feet for Spain’s second goal.
Salma Paralluelo
While Putellas controlled both games exceptionally through the midfield, Paralluelo led the Spanish attack that had the USWNT’s backline on their heels throughout both games. In the first game, it was Paralluelo who sent a picture-perfect cross to Eva Navarro, who banged one to the top of the net and gave Spain the 2-0 lead.
Then in the second game, Paralluelo’s shot off of the aforementioned Putellas pass gave Tullis-Joyce zero chance of saving it or keeping the score at 1-0. Paralluelo took the ball off her right foot and sent it screaming off the bar, leaving the U.S. with a 2-0 deficit in a second straight game.
Ashley Sanchez
It’s hard to argue that any player is in better form currently than Ashley Sanchez– a trend that continued into her first action with the USWNT in almost two years. In game one, despite not getting on the scoresheet, Sanchez came on as a substitute for the U.S. in the 66th minute and instantly provided a spark.
Then in game two, Sanchez earned her way into the Starting XI, and started to convert on those opportunities that were so close in game one. With the USWNT down 2-0, Sanchez got the scoring started, sending one past the keeper and into the net off of Sophia Wilson’s feed.
Sanchez’s positive performance in these games may be one of the bigger developments for the USWNT ahead of the World Cup. Her season in North Carolina has been nothing short of historic, and now that form has officially translated to the international scene as well.
Mallory Swanson
Triple Espresso reunited earlier this year, but U.S. soccer fans had been waiting for one third of the trio to get back on the scoresheet. Mallory Swanson made exactly that happen against Spain, scoring her first goal with the USWNT since the 2024 Olympics.
After a quiet first game against Spain, Swanson didn’t just find herself in the scoresheet in the second game, but did so in as crucial of a moment as possible. Following a pass to the top of the box from Michelle Cooper, Swanson sent a volley screaming past Spain goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez to equalize the game in the 86th minute.
Similar to Sanchez, this is an unbelievable development for the USWNT. Swanson’s goal may be a sign that one of the squad’s most important attackers is back in peak form— making the USWNT attack, already littered with talent, that much more dangerous.
Featured image via @alexiaputellas