The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) was humbled this afternoon in Washington, D.C., after suffering a 2-0 loss to Spain. Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro led Spain to victory behind their goals while rallying behind goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares, who earned a clean sheet after making 9 saves in the match. The U.S. was definitely missing Crystal Dunn. The national team veteran who played every position imaginable was honored before the match as she made her retirement official.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes changed both her call-up list and her starting XI for the first of two ties with the defending World Champions. The 4-1-4-1 formation was a welcome change, giving the midfield more flexibility. Claudia Dickey started in goal, followed by Avery Patterson, Kennedy Wesley, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Fox. Lily Yohannes filled the lone central midfield position, with Alyssa Thompson on the left and Trinity Rodman on the right. Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle finalized the midfield with Sophia Wilson as the lone striker.
Spain arrived with a squad that wasn’t loaded with mostly Real Madrid and Barcelona players for once. Adriana Nanclares of Athletic Club started in goal, commanding a backline consisting of Ona Batlle, María Méndez, Laia Codina, and Lucía Corrales. The midfield of this 4-3-3 formation featured Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, and Fiamma Benítez. The front three were rounded off by superstar Salma Paralluelo, Edna Imade, and Eva Navarro.
Spain wasted no time reminding the hosts why they are the defending world champions. In a slow but calculated build-up, Spain moved up the pitch playing close, possession-based ball. With a few quick touches inching closer to the 18-yard box, the ball came back to Patri Guijarro. The Blaugrana midfielder squared her boots and fired a rocket into the far post from about 25 yards out. Just four minutes in, the stakes climbed immediately.
10 minutes later, Salma Paralluelo sent a long cross to Eva Navarro for an easy one-time volley. The cross flew over the center of the box and landed perfectly at the foot of the Madridista who subbed at the start of the second half.
The 69th minute saw the clearest chance for the U.S. to get on the board when a penalty was awarded. Lily Yohannes stepped up to the spot and chose the lower left corner. Nanclares made a diving save to deflect the ball away and keep Spain’s commanding lead.
In the 87th minute, Ashley Sanchez had a chance to pull a goal back but mistimed her shot. A long cross from the right flank was laid to her on a platter, and the NWSL’s leading goalscorer missed the ball. Had she put an accurate touch on the ball, she would’ve beaten Nanclares without a doubt.
Three minutes later, Spain’s Athenea del Castillo was sent off with a red card for a hair pull on USA’s Michelle Cooper. Even with the one-player advantage, Spain’s defense held strong and kept the hosts scoreless.
Nanclares definitely earned her clean sheet today. She took everything the U.S. could give, and on top of that, blocked a penalty shot that would’ve swung the momentum in favor of the hosts had she scored. The U.S. were outplayed, simple as that. The backline looked disjointed outside of Emily Fox, but also, it was their first time playing together.
The U.S. will have to move past this match quickly and prepare for their next match with Spain on Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Philadelphia.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Eyoel Fassil