CHESTER, Pa. - From the moment the first ball was kicked, it felt like a game with high stakes between the United States and Spain as titans of the game clashed. In total, 18,648 fans in Chester cheered every clearance, tackle, and promising attack at the top of their lungs until, and as she does to many a team around the world, Alexia Putellas took the air out of the stadium by splitting the USWNT central defense, but they were able to show resilience as Mallory Swanson drew level in the 86th minute of play for a 2-2 draw. As the road to the 2027 World Cup becomes clearer by the day, one thing is evident.
Spain are the team to beat, as no matter who Sonia Bermudez puts in the lineup, Spain will be compact in defense and pull you out of position to finish their own chances. This is a spot the USWNT used to be in, but as Hayes figures out her best XI on the fly while missing key players like Naomi Girma, who was supposed to be in this camp before picking up an injury with Chelsea, there's a way to go in order to defeat the number one team in the world. And that's a fact that Hayes is aware of.
"They're the best team in the world. I didn't learn anything that I didn't already know," Hayes said when asked what she learned during this camp. While it's not to state that the gap is larger than it is between these teams, it drives home the point that the USWNT now play in a world where they aren't the favorites; they are among the favorites, but it's the little moments that determine how those top sides in the world shake out.
While it seemed like Emily Fox was setting a physical tone early in the match, that bite didn't last, and ball watching helped gift the second goal of the game. On the bright side, part of the path to how the USWNT can get ready for these moments also showcased itself in the same match via Ashley Sanchez. Taking on two Spanish defenders, the N.C.
Courage winger was able to secure a great finish in the second half, notching her first start since October of 2024 with a memorable moment. Ashley's first goal since 2022 🦅USWNT x @vw pic.twitter.com/xRuNztkgE5 You'd want Sanchez's goal to come at a time when the USWNT are level with Spain versus already trailing, but that's the gap that Hayes is looking to close. On their day, this team can defeat anyone in the world; the Olympics have proven that, but now they have to add consistency, which has been lacking during this camp.
Being able to fight back is an important quality, and getting Swanson back to her best will be critical for the team to get where they want to be. In only six matches in Paris, Swanson scored four goals and assisted two more, and while the attack is deep, she's a game changer. It's great to see someone confident in their finishes, and Sanchez was just that, cutting in from the left wing.
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