Swanson Returns as USWNT Falls to Spain in Washington Friendly

The United States women's national soccer team welcomed back Mallory Swanson after a two-year absence but lost to Spain in a friendly match in Washington as both teams prepared for upcoming World Cup qualification campaigns, according to AP and Times Union.

Swanson returned to international action and provided an attacking spark for the USWNT, creating a chance with a curling pass toward Ashley Sanchez near the far post, according to AP. The opportunity did not produce a goal.

Spain defeated the Americans 2-0 at Audi Field after scoring twice in the opening 14 minutes, with Patri scoring in the third minute and Eva Navarro adding the second goal in the 14th minute, according to Times Union.

The USWNT outshot Spain 13-6 but failed to score. Spain goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares saved Lily Yohannes' penalty kick in the 70th minute, and Sophia Wilson's second-half finish was ruled offside, according to Times Union.

Wilson said the team often improves after its first match against an opponent and uses the next meeting to adjust. The USWNT faced Spain again three days later in Chester, Pennsylvania, according to Times Union.

"We always learn a lot in the first game and are able to make a lot of changes going into the second one," said Sophia Wilson, USWNT forward.

The rematch gave coach Emma Hayes another opportunity to evaluate defensive consistency and finishing before the Concacaf W Championship in November, according to Times Union. The tournament opener against El Salvador is scheduled for Nov. 27 in Mansfield, Texas.

The return of Swanson also renewed attention on the attacking trio of Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Wilson, who helped Team USA win Olympic gold in 2024. According to Times Union, the group combined for 10 goals and five assists during that tournament, with Swanson scoring the winning goal in the final.

Swanson was listed among the available substitutes for the rematch lineup, while Hayes made four changes from the previous match, including starts for goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Sanchez, Claire Hutton and Gisele Thompson, according to Times Union.

The USWNT and Spain had met five times before the Washington friendly, with the Americans winning the first three meetings and Spain taking the last two, according to Times Union. Spain entered the matchup as the reigning world champion.