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Story & Photos by Shawn Payne
October 13, 2026 | Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
International Friendly | USA vs Spain
CHESTER, Pa. — The U.S. Women’s National Team arrived at Subaru Park on Tuesday evening looking to respond to a disappointing 2–0 defeat against Spain just three days earlier at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
The highly anticipated rematch brought together two of the world’s top-ranked women’s soccer nations, with the reigning Olympic gold medalists facing the defending FIFA Women’s World Cup champions for the second time in four days.
For U.S. head coach Emma Hayes, the match presented another opportunity to evaluate her squad against elite international competition ahead of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Spain entered the contest carrying momentum from Saturday’s victory, while the Americans looked to capitalize on home support and deliver a stronger performance against the world’s No. 1-ranked team.
A crowd of 18,648 filled Subaru Park along the Delaware River for the international friendly, creating an energetic atmosphere as the two teams took the field.
The United States opened the match with attacking intent, but Spain gradually established control through its possession and movement in midfield.
In the 27th minute, Spanish captain Alexia Putellas opened the scoring, finishing an opportunity created by Clara Serrajordi to give the visitors the advantage.
Just five minutes later, Spain doubled its lead when Salma Paralluelo found the back of the net in the 32nd minute, with Putellas providing the assist.
The Americans entered halftime trailing 2–0 for the second consecutive meeting, facing another difficult challenge against the reigning world champions.
The United States emerged from the break with renewed urgency, and Ashley Sanchez provided the breakthrough in the 49th minute.
Receiving the ball from Sophia Wilson, Sanchez drove into the penalty area and delivered a composed finish to cut Spain’s advantage in half.
The goal marked Sanchez’s first international goal since 2022 and gave the Americans the momentum they had been searching for throughout the two-match series.
Hayes turned to her substitutes as the second half progressed, introducing fresh attacking options, including Mallory Swanson and Michelle Cooper.
The changes paid off in the 86th minute when Cooper delivered a pass into the penalty area for Swanson, who controlled the ball and struck a right-footed volley into the bottom corner to level the match at 2–2.
The equalizer was a significant moment for Swanson, who had recently returned to international competition following maternity leave.
The Americans continued pressing for a winner in the closing minutes, with Lily Yohannes forcing a late save from Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez.
The final whistle confirmed a 2–2 draw, completing an impressive second-half comeback for the United States after trailing by two goals.
Although the Americans finished the two-match series without a victory, Tuesday’s performance demonstrated their ability to respond against one of the strongest teams in international women’s soccer.
For Hayes and her squad, the matches against Spain provided valuable experience and exposed areas requiring improvement as preparations continue for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The United States now turns its attention to the upcoming Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador on November 27.
Tuesday’s comeback at Subaru Park offered an encouraging conclusion to the international window, with the Americans showing resilience and attacking determination against the defending world champions.
Final Score: USA 2 – Spain 2
Goals Scored:
Spain
- Alexia Putellas – 27’
- Salma Paralluelo – 32’
USA
- Ashley Sanchez – 49’
- Mallory Swanson – 86’
