Player ratings: Sanchez, Swanson get 9s in USWNT's comeback draw with Spain

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  Cesar HernandezOct 13, 2026, 09:34 PM ET

The United States women's national team earned a comeback 2-2 draw against world No. 1 Spain at Chester, Pennsylvania's Subaru Park on Tuesday.

Following last Saturday's 2-0 loss to the world champions, the U.S. initially found themselves in a similar scenario after allowing two goals before half-time. Capitalizing on defensive lapses, the visitors took an early lead after opportunities from Alexia Putellas in the 27th minute and Salma Paralluelo in the 32nd.

By the second half, the U.S. hit the ground running after Ashley Sanchez found the back of the net in the 49th minute, bringing the deficit to just one goal. With additional support thanks to some attack-minded substitutions, the Americans then made it 2-2 after an equalizer from Mallory Swanson in the 86th minute.

With the 2-2 draw in hand, U.S. coach Emma Hayes and her roster will now prepare for next month's Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador.

Manager rating (out of 10)

Emma Hayes, 7 -- Credit where credit is due. After a shaky first half, Hayes pulled all of the right strings and correct substitutions to equalize the game. A step forward after failing to score in the previous friendly against the FIFA Women's World Cup title-holders.

Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)

GK Phallon Tullis-Joyce, 3 -- It feels harsh to give a three mostly due to one error, but it was a massive one after a misplaced pass gifted an avenue for Spain's second goal. The goalkeeper also misplaced another pass in the second half.

DF Gisele Thompson, 6 -- Provided a handful of crucial defensive interventions, but was also drawn out of position for the first Spain goal.

DF Tierna Davidson, 5 -- An up and down game for the defender that was excellent with her duels and looked scrappy, but was part of the chaotic backline in Spain's first goal. Could have done better with the second goal as well.

DF Kennedy Wesley, 5 -- Like Davidson, she was also part of the defensive mess for the first opposition goal. Decent with her carries in her own half of the pitch.

DF Emily Fox, 5 -- Should have done better with halting the pass for Spain's opener but was effective with her runs down the right-hand side.

MF Lindsey Heaps, 6 -- Provided the hockey assist for Sanchez's goal and was a key conductor going forward. Could have improved some of her defensive presence and duels.

MF Claire Hutton, 6 -- Connected well with the midfield and provided some interventions but also could have been better with her long passes.

MF Rose Lavelle, 7 -- Occasionally active in the build-up going forward and showed some flair with her control of the ball. Connected well with the right flank.

FW Ashley Sanchez, 9 -- Made great runs and improved with each passing minute of the game. One of the difference-makers with her goal that helped revive the U.S.

FW Sophia Wilson, 8 -- Another positive performance with her chemistry in the attack, which included an eye-catching shot on target and the assist for Sanchez.

FW Trinity Rodman, 5 -- Had some noteworthy runs, but ultimately had a fairly quiet performance. A single shot on target was the highlight of her 60 minutes.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

MF Alyssa Thompson, 7 -- Asked questions of the Spanish backline and almost had an assist for a late game-winner.

MF Lily Yohannes, 8 -- An immediate impact with excellent distribution and was unlucky to not finish with a goal or assist.

FW Mallory Swanson, 9 -- An equalizing goal and threatening dribbles right off the bench? What more could you ask?

FW Michelle Cooper, 8 -- Provided the assist for the equalizer, as well as a big tackle that threw off a counter-attack from Spain.

MF Jaelin Howell, 7 -- Dished out a few crucial defensive interventions and helped control the middle of the pitch.

MF Pietra Tordin, N/A, -- Subbed on in 80th minute.

DF Kate del Fava, N/A -- Subbed on in 80th minute. Provided the hockey assist for the equalizer.