USWNT Eyes Tuesday Rematch After Spain’s Early Goals Expose Weaknesses

Coach Emma Hayes and the USWNT found some positives despite a 2-0 loss to top-ranked Spain at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday. The match featured plenty of scoring chances for the Americans but also revealed costly early mistakes that Spain capitalized on.

Early Setbacks Cost the USWNT

The opening 14 minutes were decisive. Spain, reigning World Cup champions, scored twice before the U.S. could really settle into the game. Patri Guijarro netted from outside the box just three minutes in, exploiting space left open by the American defense. Later, Eva Navarro calmly finished a swift attack with the U.S. goalkeeper, Claudia Dickey, unable to stop the shot.

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

These early goals set a tough tone for the rest of the match. Despite many opportunities, including shots from close range and distance, missed connections, delayed attempts, and even a failed penalty kick, the U.S. couldn't get on the scoreboard.

Opportunities Missed and Lessons Learned

Captain Lindsey Heaps acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but remained optimistic about the upcoming rematch on Tuesday at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.

"We know we’re better than that, and we have to own it. We have another chance Tuesday, and that’s good," Heaps said.

The missed penalty added to the frustration. With Heaps off the field, 19-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes stepped up but couldn’t convert, with goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares making the save.

"I missed. My responsibility," said Yohannes. "I took initiative but didn’t score, which is on me. I should put it away."

Hayes saw value in the attempt, framing it as a learning moment ahead of the World Cup next summer.

"Missing the penalty is OK. It’s part of managing pressure. She’ll be better for it," Hayes explained. "It wasn’t luck; it was poor execution."

Positive Signs Amidst Disappointment

The second half featured the return of the “Triple Espresso” frontline — a combination of Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman. Wilson and Swanson, recently back from maternity leave, showed flashes of their Olympic gold-winning form.

Swanson said, "Getting back to playing is one thing, but doing it at the highest level is another. I’m grateful to be back with the support I’ve had."

Also notable was winger Ashley Sanchez, who came on as a substitute after a strong season leading the NWSL scoring charts, returning after two years away from international play.

Despite these encouraging moments, the U.S. knows improvement is needed before the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

"I’m frustrated, disappointed, but not deterred," said Hayes. "We have a great group of players and we’re much closer to Spain than three years ago. We’ll keep getting better."