Spain strike twice inside 14 minutes to stun hosts at Audi Field

World champions Spain inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the United States in Washington DC on Saturday, scoring twice in the opening 14 minutes of the first of two high-profile friendlies between the sides. The result, in front of a crowd at Audi Field, was the first time the US had ever faced the world No 1 ranked side on home soil and the first meeting between the two nations since 11 October 2022 — before Spain’s 2023 World Cup triumph.

Spain made a lightning-fast start. Edna Imade spread play out to Patri Guijarro on the right, and after realising she had space, the Barcelona midfielder let fly from around 20 yards, arrowing a shot into the top-left corner in just the third minute. The Guardian described it as a “20-yard screamer” after the US struggled to assemble their shape following a turnover and left Guijarro with significant space.

La Roja doubled their lead 11 minutes later through another defensive breakdown. Salma Paralluelo isolated Tierna Davidson on the left flank and delivered a cross to a wide-open Eva Navarro, who rifled a one-touch finish — described by FotMob as a volley into the roof of the net — past the goalkeeper. All 11 US players huddled above the box for several minutes after conceding.

Hayes’s side rally but waste chances as Nanclares stars

The Americans looked disjointed throughout the first half, guilty of giveaways and overhit clearances. Rose Lavelle attempted to lay off a forward pass with Sophia Wilson and Alyssa Thompson on the break, but both mistimed their runs and the ball rolled out of bounds to a groan from the crowd. Wilson’s best attempt of the half hit the post and rolled wide.

After adjustments to their high press, the US were markedly improved after the interval. Spain did not produce a shot on target in the second half, and the hosts outshot them 13-6 on the day. Wilson thought she had scored in the 53rd minute, but the goal was waved off for offside following video review. Trinity Rodman’s attempted tap-in from a Thompson cross in the 58th minute was saved, and Adriana Nanclares also kept out efforts from Wilson and Lavelle.

The US earned a penalty in the 67th minute after Wilson drew a foul by Natalia Ramos in the box. The taker was a surprise: 19-year-old Lily Yohannes, who had never attempted a penalty in four seasons at Ajax and OL Lyonnes. Wilson, a regular taker for the Portland Thorns and a perfect 11 for 11 on penalties in the NWSL, was overlooked. Nanclares saved Yohannes’s stutter-step effort, and the US remained scoreless.

Returns and lengthy injury lists shape the contest

Both squads were depleted. For the US, center-back Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey — the two players most vital to the American defensive spine — were absent through injury. Forward Mallory Swanson, out for all of 2025 on maternity leave, made her first appearance in 710 days, while midfielder Ashley Sanchez earned her first US minutes since October 2023 after a recall following a strong NWSL season with the North Carolina Courage.

Spain were without two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, as well as Vicky Lopez, Mariona Caldentey, Cata Coll, Clàudia Pina and Mapi León, who withdrew from camp on Friday. If the lengthy list of absentees affected the reigning champions, it did not show.

Red card caps chaotic finish as Cooper is pulled

While not threatening in attack, Spain increased the physicality in the final quarter-hour, committing 12 fouls to the US’s four. In the first minute of stoppage time, Athenea del Castillo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review after pulling Michelle Cooper’s hair, reducing Spain to 10 players. Spain held out for a clean sheet and the win.

“They had two, three chances, and they took them. And scored really great goals,” US captain Lindsey Heaps said. “But it came from our mistakes and came from something we can prevent.”

Rematch looms in Pennsylvania

With the Women’s World Cup in Brazil now 258 days away, Spain have already booked their place while the US must still qualify through a regional tournament beginning next month. Entering the window, Hayes said development and improvement mattered more than results. Spain coach Sonia Bermudez will want an improvement when the sides meet again on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania — a chance for both to recalibrate before the serious business begins.