The U.S. Women’s National Team showed resilience and determination Tuesday night, overcoming a two-goal deficit to earn a 2–2 draw against reigning world champion Spain at Subaru Park. Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson delivered second-half goals as Emma Hayes‘ squad responded to its previous defeat against the European powerhouse.
Playing before 18,648 fans in Chester, Pennsylvania, the Americans entered the rematch looking to rebound from Saturday’s 2–0 loss in Washington, D.C. However, Spain quickly demonstrated why it remains among the world’s elite teams.
Spain Takes Command Early
Spain opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Alexia Putellas finished a well-executed attacking sequence. Clara Serrajordi delivered a dangerous ball across the penalty area, with Clara Pinedo allowing the pass to continue through to Putellas for a close-range finish.
Following a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood.
Five minutes later, Spain doubled its advantage following a misplaced American clearance. Putellas intercepted the ball and drove forward before finding Salma Paralluelo, whose powerful shot struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the goal line.
Despite trailing 2–0, the Americans continued pressing forward. Trinity Rodman nearly pulled one back before halftime, but her header was comfortably handled by Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez.
Sanchez Ignites the American Comeback
The second half brought a dramatically different American performance.
Just four minutes after the restart, Sanchez cut Spain’s lead in half with an impressive individual finish.
Sophia Wilson advanced through midfield before finding Sanchez on the left side of the penalty area. Sanchez maneuvered around her defender and placed a low shot into the bottom corner.
The goal marked Sanchez’s fourth international tally and her first for the USWNT since July 2022, ending a 1,552-day scoring drought.
Wilson, returning to international competition following the birth of her daughter, collected her 12th career international assist.
Swanson Delivers a Memorable Equalizer
With time running out, Swanson provided the moment American supporters had been waiting for.
In the 86th minute, debutant Kate Del Fava launched a long pass down the right flank toward Michelle Cooper. Cooper controlled possession and delivered a pass into the penalty area, where Swanson connected on a spectacular volley to level the match.
The goal was Swanson’s 39th internationally and her first since scoring the winner against Brazil in the 2024 Olympic gold medal match.
Swanson also became the 12th mother to score for the USWNT, joining a distinguished group that includes Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn and teammate Sophia Wilson.
The Americans nearly completed the comeback in the closing moments when Lily Yohannes unleashed a deflected effort that Rodriguez managed to turn away.
Hayes Continues Building Toward World Cup Qualification
Beyond the comeback, Tuesday’s match represented another milestone in Hayes’ ongoing development of the national team.
Del Fava and Pietra Tordin made their international debuts, bringing the number of different players used by Hayes during 2026 to a program-record 46.
The USWNT now turns its attention toward the 2026 Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador on November 27 in Mansfield, Texas.
With a berth in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake, the Americans will hope their second-half response against Spain provides momentum heading into competitive action.
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