The Spain women’s national football team secured a 2–0 victory over the United States at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., marking their first-ever win on American soil and only their second victory against the program in history, according to reporting by Reinas del balón.
Patri Guijarro opens the scoring early in Washington
Spain seized control of the fixture within the opening minutes. In the 3rd minute, midfielder Patri Guijarro collected a loose ball slightly outside the penalty area and drove a powerful strike past United States goalkeeper Claudia Dickey to put the visitors ahead 0–1.
The early breakthrough left the reigning Olympic champions struggling to find their footing. Just eleven minutes later, Spain struck again through a swift counterattack. Edna Imade chased down a long ball along the left flank and immediately touched it forward to Salma Paralluelo. Paralluelo advanced before delivering a cross to the far post, where Eva Navarro met the ball and converted the finish to make it 0–2 in the 14th minute.
United States pushes back against a solid Spanish defense
Trailing by two goals, head coach Emma Hayes’ side began generating offensive pressure. Alyssa Thompson created the hosts’ most dangerous first-half chance by rounding Spanish goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares, but defender Lucía Corrales cleared the ball off the goal line. Sophia Wilson also tested the defense, hitting the crossbar with an effort alongside Nanclares.
After the interval, the United States maintained its attacking intent. Nanclares anchored the Spanish backline with several crucial saves. Wilson appeared to cut the deficit in the second half, but the referee disallowed the effort for offside following a video assistant referee review.
The hosts earned a lifeline in the 63rd minute when Mexican referee Diana Pérez awarded a penalty kick. Lily Yohannes stepped up to take the spot-kick, firing toward the right side of the goal, but Nanclares guessed correctly and parried the attempt away.
Athenea del Castillo dismissed late as debuts shape the roster
The match grew increasingly physical down the stretch. In the 89th minute, Spanish substitute Athenea del Castillo received a straight red card following a VAR review after pulling the hair of an American player, an offense carrying automatic dismissal under the rules.
Despite the late ejection, Sonia Bermúdez’s side preserved the clean sheet in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Audi Field. The fixture also marked senior international debuts for Spanish substitutes Clara Pinedo, Andrea Medina, and Natalia Ramos.
Subaru Park hosts the second friendly in Pennsylvania
The two national teams will meet again for the second match of their friendly series. The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, marking the conclusion of the current international window.
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