Mallory Swanson Volley Secures 2-2 Comeback Draw Against Spain

Mallory Swanson scored her first international goal in 795 days to help the U.S. overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit against Spain.

The United States women’s national team recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against Spain on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania. Mallory Swanson secured the result in the 86th minute, settling a pass at the top of the penalty area before striking a clinical volley past goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. The goal marked Swanson's first for the USWNT since the 2024 Olympic gold medal game.

Spain established an early lead when Alexia Putellas tapped in a cross from Clara Serrajordi at the far post. The goal occurred during Putellas’ 150th appearance for her national team. The lead doubled minutes later after U.S. goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce committed a passing error; Salma Paralluelo intercepted the ball and fired a shot off the crossbar into the net to make it 2-0.

Ashley Sanchez began the American comeback shortly after halftime, scoring her fourth career international goal and her first since 2022. The U.S. introduced substitutes Swanson and Alyssa Thompson in the 60th minute, followed by Lily Yohannes, who nearly assisted an equalizer in the 69th minute before Rodríguez saved Swanson's initial attempt. According to ESPN Global Research, this match represents the first time in team history the U.S. avoided a loss after trailing by two or more goals at the half.

Both rosters were missing key personnel due to injuries, including Spain's Aitana Bonmati, Vicky Lopez, and Mariona Caldentey, while the U.S. played without Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey. The Americans next face El Salvador on Nov. 27 in a Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal, where a victory would clinch a spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.