CHESTER, PA. — The U.S. women hope to exact revenge on the world’s top-ranked side as they meet defending World Cup champions Spain for the second of two international friendlies this fall.
The USWNT was beaten 2-0 in their first meeting in the nation’s capital on Saturday, downed by two early goals from Spain, which then weathered the rest of the match effectively. Emma Hayes tried to engineer a comeback, with the U.S. outshooting Spain 13-6 and logging significantly more goal-mouth action in general, but the hosts failed to breach the net in the end.
Now, looking to prove the top spot in FIFA’s rankings belong to them, the second-ranked United States give it another go on home soil, aiming to prove the first meeting was a fluke and they remain the favorites to win next summer’s Women’s World Cup.
Live on-site from Subaru Park in Chester, PA, The Sporting News brings you a full list of player ratings for the match, analyzing the USMNT’s individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
MORE: Ashley Sanchez must face old demons to carve out new USWNT role
USA vs. Spain live score
Location: Subaru Park (Chester, PA)
USA starting lineup:
USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): 24. P. Tullis-Joyce (GK) — 23. E. Fox, 12. T. Davidson, 15. K. Wesley, 22. G. Thompson — 15. C. Hutton, 10. L. Heaps — 2. T. Rodman, 16. R. Lavelle, 7. A. Sanchez — 11. S. Wilson.
USA bench: Dickey (GK), Patterson, Shores, Del Fava, Reale, Rudd, Yohannes, Howell, A. Thompson, Sears, Swanson, Cooper, Tordin.
MORE: USWNT vs. Spain predictions, picks, and odds for the second friendly outside Philadelphia
USA vs. Spain full match stats
USWNT player ratings vs. Spain
All ratings are on a 10-point scale.
Starters
GK — Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Grade pending
After Claudia Dickey started the first game against Spain, it was Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s turn to get the nod here in the rematch three days later.
Made a fantastic save in the 14th minute to keep Spain from scoring a one-on-one chance after the U.S. blew an offside trap.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
RB — Emily Fox: Grade pending
As one of the most senior experienced players in the USWNT squad, Emily Fox retained her starting role at full-back in the second match against Spain.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
RCB — Tierna Davidson: Grade pending
As one of the leaders of the USWNT, Tierna Davidson remained in the lineup for the second match after starting and logging a full 90 minutes in the first meeting.
Was active in the air early on, stepping into midfield to defend 50/50 balls.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
LCB — Kennedy Wesley: Grade pending
With Naomi Girma injured, Kennedy Wesley started both matches against Spain in this international window alongside Tierna Davidson.
Blew an offside trap in the 14th minute that allowed Spain to have a clear shot on goal.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
LB — Gisele Thompson: Grade pending
After coming on at halftime in the first game, Gisele Thompson took over for Avery Patterson at left-back in the starting lineup of this second matchup between the United States and Spain.
Got beat in the fifth minute by Salma Paralluelo on the counter, but recovered well to wall off the entryway into the danger area.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
CM — Claire Hutton: Grade pending
Claire Hutton took over the starting spot in midfield from 19-year-old Lily Yohannes, earning her 22nd international cap.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
CM — Lindsey Heaps: Grade pending
As leader of the USWNT squad, Lindsey Heaps earned her 180th international cap with a second straight start in midfield against Spain.
Early on, was playing as a quasi-No. 10 alongside Rose Lavelle and was everywhere making things happen by linking up with the U.S. forwards. Played a beautiful ball forward to Sophia Wilson in the sixth minute that resulted in a one-on-one counter.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
RW — Trinity Rodman: Grade pending
Trinity Rodman looked dangerous in the opening match, but failed to find the back of the net, something she hoped to help the USWNT reverse here in the second meeting.
Struggled to get with the rhythm of the game early on and find the lock step with her teammates.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
ACM — Rose Lavelle: Grade pending
Rose Lavelle logged her 124th USWNT cap by earning another start at the No. 10 position against Spain, after seeing 66 minutes in the first meeting on Saturday.
Seemed a bit hesitant to join the U.S. push forward in the opening few minutes, but then played a delicious little back-heel to spring an 11th-minute counter that seemed to give her confidence.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
LW — Ashley Sanchez: Grade pending
After coming off the bench for 24 minutes in the opening game against Spain, Ashley Sanchez was given an opportunity to start from the beginning here in the rematch.
Was excellent in the opening 20 minutes, providing an outlet when the team needed to get out of jail, and also combining with teammates in the attacking third to give Spain defenders real problems.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
FWD — Sophia Wilson: Grade pending
After a strong performance on Saturday where she won a penalty, led the team in shots, and had the most touches in the opposition penalty area, Sophia Wilson once again earned the start at striker.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and the player makes an impact on the match.
USWNT substitutes vs. Spain
This section will be updated as players enter the match off the bench and look to make an impact on the game as a substitute.
USWNT coach vs. Belgium
Emma Hayes: Grade pending
This section will be updated after the match when the starting lineup and game plan can be analyzed as well as the in-game management of substitutes and tactical adjustments.
