Swanson Strikes Late as USWNT Substitutes Rally for 2-2 Draw vs. Spain

Mallory Swanson scored her first international goal since the 2024 Olympics to secure a 2-2 draw for the USWNT against Spain.

The United States women’s national team overcame a two-goal halftime deficit to finish in a 2-2 draw against Spain on Tuesday night at Subaru Park. Mallory Swanson scored the equalizing goal in the 86th minute, her first strike for the national team since the 2024 Olympic final. Ashley Sanchez initiated the comeback with a goal in the 49th minute, marking her first international score since 2022.

Spain established a 2-0 lead during the first half with two goals in a five-minute span. Alexia Putellas opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a tap-in following defensive rotation errors by the U.S. Salma Paralluelo doubled the lead in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a mishit clearance by American goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Head coach Emma Hayes utilized a total of eight substitutions, including a wave of five changes near the 60th minute. The U.S. shifted to a 3-5-2 formation in the second half, utilizing reserves Michelle Cooper and Alyssa Thompson as wingbacks. Defender Kate Del Fava and midfielder Pietra Tordin both made their international debuts as 80th-minute substitutes. Del Fava provided the long ball to Cooper that set up Swanson’s late equalizer.

The U.S. nearly secured a victory in stoppage time when Lily Yohannes forced a low save from Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. This result followed a similar pattern to a meeting three days prior, where the U.S. also conceded two early goals to the reigning World Cup champions.