USA vs Spain International Friendly Ends in 2-2 Draw
USA vs Spain international friendly: The match between the USA and Spain on Tuesday ended in a 2-2 draw. Just three days earlier, the team had suffered a defeat against the Women's World Cup champions in a home international friendly.
Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo Score for Spain
At Subaru Park, the home ground of Major League Soccer team Philadelphia Union, Spain's Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo scored goals within a span of five minutes in the first half. However, Ashley Sanchez scored shortly after the break, and Mallory Swanson netted the equalizer for the US in the 86th minute.
Misa Rodríguez Denies USA a Late Winner
The host team could have secured a victory in the dying moments of stoppage time, but Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez made a brilliant save to deny Lily Yohannes's deflected shot.
USA Prepare for FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 Qualifying
By then, both teams had made several changes in preparation for next year's World Cup in Brazil. However, this draw is a significant boost for the US, as they are set to play a CONCACAF quarter-final match against El Salvador next month—a victory in which could secure them a spot in the World Cup.
Spain Previously Beat USA 2-0 in Washington
Spain, having already qualified for the World Cup, defeated the USA 2-0 in Washington on Saturday. Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scored the goals in this match.
Spain Miss Out on Fifth Consecutive Victory
The reigning World Cup champions missed out on securing a fifth consecutive victory on Tuesday; they had been winning consistently since losing to England in April.
Alexia Putellas Opens the Scoring for Spain
Putellas opened the scoring with a close-range finish. Clara Serrajordi delivered a cross, and Clara Pinedo let the ball run through her legs to reach the two-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Salma Paralluelo Doubles Spain's Lead
Five minutes later, Paralluelo scored Spain's second goal; after intercepting a poor clearance by US goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, she fired the ball into the net off the crossbar.
Ashley Sanchez Pulls One Back for USA
In the 49th minute, the USA scored against the run of play. Sophia Wilson surged into the Spanish half—though her pass to Sanchez on the left was slightly heavy—and Sanchez turned towards goal, firing a shot into the far corner from the edge of the six-yard box.
Mallory Swanson Scores Late Equalizer
With four minutes of regular time remaining, Michelle Cooper received a brilliant diagonal long ball from Kate Del Fava; despite a poor first touch, she recovered to lay the ball back for Swanson. Swanson lifted the ball up, turned, and smashed it into the far corner.
Misa Rodríguez Makes a Crucial Stoppage-Time Save
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Spanish goalkeeper Rodriguez dived low to her left to deny Yohannes a dramatic winning goal.
