Spain beat USWNT 2-0 as early goals and penalty save decide friendly

Spain defeated the United States 2-0 in their women’s international friendly at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday, with Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scoring inside the opening 14 minutes. The Guardian reported that the Americans improved after half-time but could not convert their chances, including a penalty saved by Spain goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares. It was the first time the US had fallen two goals behind under coach Emma Hayes.

Watch the highlights:

Guijarro put Spain ahead in the third minute with a strike from around 20 yards after a turnover left her with space as the US tried to reorganise. Eleven minutes later, Salma Paralluelo attacked down the left against Tierna Davidson and crossed for an unmarked Navarro, who finished first time. The American players gathered together near their penalty area after the second goal, with most of the match still to play.

The United States struggled to build effective attacks before the break, although Sophia Wilson had an effort hit the post and another go wide. Their pressing adjustments helped produce a better second-half performance, during which Spain did not record a shot on target. The hosts finished with a 13-6 advantage in total attempts, but that greater volume of chances did not translate into a goal.

Wilson appeared to have reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute, only for her goal to be ruled out for offside following video review. She then won a penalty in the 67th minute after a foul by Natalia Ramos. Lily Yohannes took the kick, but Nanclares saved her attempt. Yohannes later told reporters she had been second on the team’s penalty-taking list, behind Lindsey Heaps.

Both teams were missing important players. The US were without injured defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey, while Spain’s injury absentees included Aitana Bonmatí, Vicky Lopez, Mariona Caldentey and Cata Coll. There were also notable returns from the American bench: Mallory Swanson made her first match appearance in 710 days after missing 2025 on maternity leave, and Ashley Sanchez played her first national-team minutes since October 2023.

Spain finished with 10 players after Athenea del Castillo was sent off in stoppage time for pulling an opponent’s hair. The teams meet again on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania, giving the US another opportunity against the reigning world champions. Spain have already qualified for the next Women’s World Cup in Brazil; the Americans still face a regional qualifying tournament beginning next month.