USWNT Eyes Redemption in Tuesday Rematch After Spain Exploits Early Mistakes

Emma Hayes and the USWNT found some solace in the number of scoring chances they created during Saturday's match against No. 1-ranked Spain at a packed Audi Field. Despite the 2-0 loss, they were pleased with how few opportunities they allowed and the fighting spirit displayed in the second half, though the final result fell short of expectations.

But the opening 14 minutes proved costly. The reigning World Cup champions scored twice with little opposition.

"You can’t give them a head start," Hayes said. "They’re too good."

The early goals came from Spain’s efficient build-up play and USWNT’s inability to close down space effectively. Patri Guijarro opened the scoring with a shot from outside the box just three minutes into the match. The second goal was a smooth team move, ending with Eva Navarro unmarked inside the penalty area, beating goalkeeper Claudia Dickey with a precise finish.

Hayes added, "We know we’re better than that, and we have to own it. We have another chance Tuesday, so that’s something positive."

The teams will meet again Tuesday night at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, as part of their World Cup preparations. The first friendly highlighted early lapses from the US and clinical efficiency from Spain, alongside missed chances by the Americans.

"Did I think we did enough to score? Yes. More than one? Absolutely," Hayes said. "We just didn’t make the right decisions or execute well enough. There were many good things, but not those moments."

Trailing by two goals and failing to score is unusual for the US, Olympic gold medal holders. Since mid-2021, they've fallen behind by multiple goals only three times, twice against Spain and once against Mexico. This was also only the second time in 27 matches they were shut out.

Emily Fox, the right back, expressed a mix of frustration and optimism:

"As the game went on, we got more aggressive and created chances. That’s a positive. But losing 2-0, especially to the world champions, is tough."

Focus on Details and Learning from Mistakes

Coach Hayes stressed the importance of fine details when facing the top-ranked team.

"Playing the best in the world means executing everything perfectly," she said.

The US also missed a penalty kick in the second half. Normally taken by captain Lindsey Heaps, she had left the game, so 19-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes stepped up. The youngest player on the 26-woman roster, Yohannes’ attempt was saved by Adriana Nanclares.

"I missed. It’s my responsibility," Yohannes admitted. "I took the initiative but didn’t score, and that’s on me."

Hayes viewed this as a valuable experience:

"Managing pressure is part of growth. She’ll improve. Missing that penalty is okay—we missed enough other chances anyway. It wasn’t luck; it was poor execution."

Returning Players and Future Outlook

The second half featured the return of the "Triple Espresso" front line famed from the 2024 Olympics. With Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson recently back from maternity leave—Swanson appeared as a substitute—Trinity Rodman remains the only regular from that group still active. Swanson, who scored the winning goal against Brazil in the Olympic final, shared her feelings:

"Getting back on the field is one thing, playing at the highest level is another. I’m grateful for all the support throughout this journey."

Also making a comeback was winger Ashley Sanchez, who earned her spot after leading the NWSL scoring charts this season following a two-year absence from international play.

These positive developments offer hope. Yet, with the World Cup in Brazil just nine months away, the US knows improvement is necessary.

"I’m frustrated and disappointed but not deterred," Hayes said. "We have really good players and a strong team. We’re closer to Spain now than we were three years ago, definitely."

Tuesday’s rematch will reveal more about their progress.