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7h ago

USWNT Rally to Draw Spain 2-2 in Final October Friendly

The late comeback highlighted roster depth but left clear tactical and goalkeeper build-up issues for coach Emma Hayes to fix ahead of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Mallory Swanson equalized for the United States against Spain
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Trinity Rodman of the United States smiles during USWNT training at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania on Monday.

Overview

  • The U.S. recovered from a 2-0 halftime deficit to tie world No. 1 Spain 2-2 in Chester on Tuesday, with Ashley Sanchez scoring early in the second half and Mallory Swanson netting an 86th-minute equalizer.
  • Three days earlier the Americans lost 2-0 in Washington after conceding two quick goals, a result that prompted Hayes to make four starting changes for the rematch and broader lineup experiments.
  • The window tested personnel: Sanchez and Swanson returned to the fold, Phallon Tullis-Joyce started in goal, and defenders Kate Del Fava and forward Pietra Tordin made senior debuts as substitutes.
  • Both matches exposed specific problems that need fixing, including midfield shape and concentration that allowed Spain key chances, plus risky goalkeeper distribution that led directly to a Spanish goal.
  • The team now shifts focus to the CONCACAF W Championship beginning Nov. 27, a tournament that is the primary qualification path for the 2027 World Cup and will use lessons from these friendlies to shape final selections and tactics.