Full Breakdown
USWNT Rescues Draw vs. Spain with Second-Half Surge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: United States Women’s National Team Earns 2-2 Friendly Draw
On October 13, 2026 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, the United States women’s national team (USWNT) rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to finish level with world-number-one Spain. Forward Ashley Sanchez opened the comeback in the 49th minute, and substitute Mallory Swanson equalized in the 86th minute. The match concluded 2-2 before a crowd of 18,648.
Background & Context
The game was the second of a two-match friendly series; Spain also won the first meeting 2-0 in Washington, D.C. Both fixtures serve as preparation for the USWNT’s upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Data & Statistics
- Attendance: 18,648
- Scoring summary: Spain – Alexia Putellas (27´), Salma Paralluelo (32´); United States – Ashley Sanchez (49´), Mallory Swanson (86´)
- Shots: US 15, Spain 12; Shots on goal: US 6, Spain 5
- Corners: US 8, Spain 5
- Possession: Spain 56 % in the second half
- Milestones: Swanson’s goal was her first since the Olympic gold in August 2024 and her 39th career US goal; Sanchez’s strike was her first since July 14, 2022.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Emma Hayes said Spain’s quality is “world class” while the United States is “still in progress,” noting the halftime shift to a 3-5-2 formation helped create space and improve finishing. Swanson highlighted the team’s “never-give-up” mentality, and Sanchez believed a few more minutes could have turned the draw into a win.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I mean, this mentality of this team has always been you stay with it,” — Mallory Swanson
- “Obviously we always want to win, that's the type of team that we are and I think if we had 20 more minutes we definitely probably would have won,” — Ashley Sanchez
- “They are world class. We are still in progress,” — Emma Hayes
On-the-Ground Reports
Local fans added to the atmosphere. Brian Mechanick, a Chester resident, praised the “great soccer crowd,” while Cheryl Kopatz called the venue “perfect” for future NWSL expansion.
What’s Next
The USWNT turns its focus to the Concacaf W Championship quarter-final on November 27 in Mansfield, Texas, against El Salvador—a direct qualifier for the 2027 World Cup. The lessons from the Spain friendlies will inform roster and tactical decisions.