USWNT Rallies From Two Down to Draw 2-2 With Spain
The United States women’s national team recovered from a two-goal first-half deficit to draw 2-2 with world No. 1 Spain in a friendly at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday.
Key takeaways
- Spain scored twice in five minutes before the interval through Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo.
- Ashley Sanchez began the U.S. recovery with a goal four minutes into the second half.
- Mallory Swanson struck in the 86th minute to secure the draw.
- The result followed the Americans’ 2-0 defeat to the reigning world champions on Saturday.
- Emma Hayes’ side will face El Salvador in next month’s Concacaf W Championship quarter-finals.
Late response earns the United States a draw
The meeting initially appeared to be heading in a similar direction to Saturday’s loss, as Spain punished defensive errors to establish control before half-time.
Putellas opened the scoring in the 27th minute, before Paralluelo extended the visitors’ advantage five minutes later. The two-goal spell left the United States with another significant recovery to make against the world’s top-ranked side.
The Americans returned from the break with greater urgency and reduced the gap in the 49th minute when Sanchez found the net. Attack-minded changes added further support as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
That pressure eventually produced an equaliser in the closing stages. Swanson scored in the 86th minute to complete the comeback and ensure the match finished level at 2-2.
Concacaf knockout tie next for Hayes’ squad
The draw concludes the United States’ two-match stretch against Spain, who arrived as the reigning world champions. Hayes and her players now turn their attention to competitive action next month.
The United States will meet El Salvador in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf W Championship.
