CHESTER, Pa. — Mallory Swanson scored in the 86th minute to pull the United States level at 2-2 against Spain on Tuesday night, marking her first goal since the Olympic gold medal match in Paris. The strike completed a second-half comeback after Spain dominated the opening period at Subaru Park.
Spain Takes Early Command in Chester
Spain, the reigning 2023 Women's World Cup champions and top-ranked side globally, struck twice in the first half. Alexia Putellas, making her 150th appearance for La Roja, opened the scoring in the 27th minute with her 43rd international goal — a tap-in at the far post from a Clara Pinedo delivery. Five minutes later, a misplay by U.S. goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce allowed Putellas to feed Salma Paralluelo, whose shot rattled the crossbar and crossed the line for a 2-0 lead.
According to NBC News, it was the first time since 2011 that the United States conceded two first-half goals in consecutive matches. Spain had won the first friendly 2-0 in Washington on Saturday, with Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scoring inside the opening 14 minutes.
United States Responds After Halftime
The U.S. emerged with greater urgency after the break. Ashley Sanchez, making her first start since October 30, 2024, halved the deficit early in the second half by finding a gap and finishing to the far post. Sanchez has been in prolific form for the North Carolina Courage, leading the National Women's Soccer League with 20 goals in 27 games this season.
Swanson, who entered as a second-half substitute, completed the comeback in the closing minutes. Michelle Cooper collected a long ball from Kate Del Fava and played it across to Swanson, who volleyed home the equalizer. Lily Yohannes nearly won it in stoppage time, but Spain goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez made a diving save to preserve the draw.
Swanson's Return from Maternity Leave
The goal carried personal significance for Swanson, who spent 2025 on maternity leave following the birth of her daughter. Her previous goal had secured a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Paris Olympics final. "I mean, this mentality of this team has always been you stay with it," Swanson said after the match. "That's what this crest means." She added that the game plan emphasized finding spaces in the box and being clinical, which the team executed in the second half.
Context: World Cup Qualifying Preparation
The two friendlies served as preparation for the United States ahead of World Cup qualifying later this year. Spain has already qualified for the 2025 tournament in Brazil. Notably, the European champions were without several key players, including two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí (recovering from a broken leg), Vicky López, Mariona Caldentey, and starting goalkeeper Cata Coll — all sidelined by injury.
Among the crowd at Subaru Park were Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, Mallory's husband, and tennis professional Ben Shelton, who is dating U.S. forward Trinity Rodman.
Why This Draw Matters for Both Sides
For the United States, the result demonstrates resilience against the world's top-ranked team despite a poor first half. The comeback offers a positive signal ahead of competitive qualifying matches, while also highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that must be addressed. For Spain, the draw extends their unbeaten run but raises questions about converting dominance into victories against elite opposition, even with a depleted squad. Both teams will take tactical lessons forward — the U.S. toward qualifying, Spain toward defending their World Cup title in Brazil next summer.