EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe U.S. women's national team stumbled to a 2-0 loss to No. 1 ranked Spain in a friendly at Washington D.C.'s Audi Field on Saturday.Quickly on the back foot after allowing a goal in the third minute by Patri Guijarro, and then in the 14th minute by Eva Navarro, the U.S. struggled with halting an efficient Spanish side that held onto 57% possession in the first half.After the midway break, the U.S. increased their pressure, eventually leading to a penalty decision in the 68th minute after Sophia Wilson was brought down in the 18-yard box. Then, moments later, Lily Yohannes stepped up to the spot, but was stopped by Spain goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares.The U.S. continued their attacking pressure, and gained an advantage when Athenea Del Castillo was shown a red in the 90th minute, but ultimately were left without a goal by the final whistle.With the 2-0 loss in hand, U.S coach Emma Hayes and her roster will now prepare for a rematch against Spain next Tuesday.Manager rating (out of 10)Emma Hayes, 3 -- Tactically, it's difficult to support how Hayes set up her team. Granted, she had some key defensive players out due to injury, but placing both Yohannes and Lindsey Heaps in the center of the midfield allowed plenty of opportunities for Spain to run through the heart of the pitch and capitalize on mistakes. At this level, the margins are razor thin, and even when the U.S. created opportunities, it was a bit frantic.Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)GK Claudia Dickey, 4 -- Not much she could do about the second goal, but she should have done better with the first one, which was from distance. Ended the game with just one save.DF Avery Patterson, 3 -- Didn't win a single duel, didn't make much of a defensive impact and was substituted at halftime.DF Kennedy Wesley, 4 -- Out of position for the second goal and didn't provide enough interventions. An off game for Wesley.DF Tierna Davidson, 4 -- She didn't have the best partnership with Wesley and had a couple of noteworthy lapses in the backline. Was dribbled past in a dangerous area of the pitch and also lost a duel that led to a shot.DF Emily Fox, 6 -- Not bad from Fox. Negative marks on losing a run in the build-up to the second goal, but she also created chances going forward and provided some vital stops.MF Lily Yohannes, 4 -- A great passer, and that's a huge benefit for someone who is highly talented at that skill, but she also missed a penalty and occasionally looked susceptible to Spain's runs through the middle of the field.MF Lindsey Heaps, 5 -- The captain should have done better to step in front of the first goal from Spain and didn't link up especially well with Yohannes when it came to controlling their area of the pitch. More was expected of the leader.MF Rose Lavelle, 7 -- Clever with her runs and distribution, and also showed some flair with her control of the ball. A key figure in the final third who was unlucky to not have an assist.FW Trinity Rodman, 6 -- Rodman had a quiet start to the game that eventually developed into a more active performance by the second half. Had a strong finish but needed to step up more during the first 45 minutes.FW Sophia Wilson, 8 -- The bright spot of the match for the U.S. Wilson hit the woodwork, won vital fouls, nearly found the back of the net before halftime and earned the penalty that was missed by Yohannes.FW Alyssa Thompson, 7 -- Credit to Thompson for asking questions of Spain on the right flank. A standout dribbler who showcased some pace and intelligent movement during transition moments.Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)DF Gisele Thompson, 6 -- More impactful than Patterson on the left flank and recovered a couple of balls in the final third that led to opportunities.FW Mallory Swanson, 6 -- Nearly had an assist and created some chances going forward.MF Claire Hutton, 5 -- Aside from conservative passes, not much to say about her limited time on the field.MF Ashley Sanchez, 4 -- Had an opportunity at close range to score a second-half goal but failed to do so.MF Michelle Cooper, NR -- Substituted on in the 82nd minute.
