USWNT lack offensive efficiency, lose 2-0 in first Spain friendly

In the first of two friendlies against Spain, the U.S. women’s national team fell 0-2 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. While the Americans showed off impressive offensive creation, they lacked the quality in finishing their chances that the reigning 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions showcased.

Spain opened the scoring in just the third minute with a long-distance strike from Patri Guijarro.

Before 15 minutes had been played, Spain had doubled their advantage. This time it was Eva Navarro running completely unmarked at the back post onto a cross from Salma Paralluelo. Scoring after the U.S. had responded to the opening goal with high energy and some good opportunities showed off both Spain’s top-tier clinicality and the American defensive issues.

Head coach Emma Hayes went with a mix of experience and youth in her starting lineup. Claudia Dickey started between the sticks with Kennedy Wesley and Tierna Davidson as her centerbacks, Avery Patterson on the left and Emily Fox on the right. The midfield featured no natural anchor with the trio of Lindsey Heaps, Lily Yohannes and Rose Lavelle. Up top, two-thirds of triple espresso, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, were joined by Alyssa Thompson.

The attacking unit created far more quality opportunities than the scoreline indicated. Wilson had multiple close calls that showed off her individual brilliance, one a long-range shot off the crossbar in the 27th minute, another after impressive work in the box put just inches beyond the far post near halftime. Other chances were more clear-cut, like when Thompson was in against just the Spanish goalkeeper, but the touch around the diving keeper and nearly being taken out by the challenge gave the defense the necessary time to get back and block the eventual shot.

At halftime, Hayes made one substitution, bringing Gisele Thompson in for Patterson. Her team was on a front offensive foot, creating the best goalscoring opportunities. Wilson actually put the ball in the back of the net in the 53rd minute, finishing her one-on-one opportunity after she was sent in behind by Rodman, but VAR called it back for offside. Other chances were squandered, as 10 minutes later, another opportunity isolated against Spain’s shotstopper saw Heaps backheel the ball away from the keeper, who took her out, but Lavelle was not ready for that pass back to her.

In the 66th minute, Hayes made three more substitutions. Mallory Swason made her first appearance in 730 days to get triple espresso on the field together, Claire Hutton came in to anchor midfield, and Ashley Sanchez made her first senior appearance since Oct. 30, 2024.

The U.S. had a golden opportunity to lessen the deficit when Wilson drew a penalty shortly before the 70th minute. It was awarded after video review, and Yohannes stepped up to take it, but Adriana Nanclares made the save.

Hayes’ last substitution of the night was Michelle Cooper in the 82nd minute, who replaced Fox. Usually a forward, Cooper was tasked with playing right-back. She notably drew a red card on Spain’s Athenea del Castillo right before stoppage time for pulling her hair.

The home team continued to create quality opportunities but were unable to score. They outshot Spain 13 to six, had 10 shots on target to Spain’s three, and dominated touches in the opposition box 38-14. Lacking the efficiency needed against the reigning World Cup champions, the reigning Olympic champions remained scoreless. They will have a chance at redemption on Oct. 13 in Chester, Pennsylvania.

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