New York (AFP) – The United States salvaged a 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday, three days after they lost to the women’s World Cup champions in a pair of home international friendlies. Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo scored five minutes apart in the first half for Spain at Subaru Park, home of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.
But Ashley Sanchez pulled back a goal shortly after the break and Mallory Swanson slammed in a US equalizer in the 86th minute. The hosts could have won it deep in stoppage time, but for a fine save from a deflected Lily Yohannes effort by Spain’s goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez. By that stage, both sides had made multiple substitutions, as they build towards next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
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However, the draw is still a major boost for the US ahead of a Concacaf quarter-final clash against El Salvador next month in which they can book their World Cup berth with victory. Spain, who have already qualified for the World Cup, had beaten the US 2-0 in Washington on Saturday with goals from Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro. The reigning world champions were denied a fifth win in a row Tuesday since losing to England in April.
Putellas opened the scoring, tapping in from close range. Clara Serrajordi crossed, and Clara Pinedo let the ball run through her legs to two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas. Paralluelo fired in Spain’s second five minutes later, rattling the ball in off the crossbar after US goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s poor clearance was intercepted.
The US struck back against the run of play in the 49th minute. Sophia Wilson raced into Spain’s half but overhit her pass left to Sanchez. She circled back toward goal, shooting from the corner of the six-yard box and into the far corner. With four minutes of regular time remaining, Michelle Cooper collected a beautiful diagonal long ball from Kate Del Fava, miscued her initial touch but recovered to pull it back for Swanson. Swanson flicked the ball up in the air and swiveled, drilling it into the far left corner.
Deep in injury time, Spain goalkeeper Rodriguez dived low to her left to deprive Yohannes of a dramatic winner.
© 2024 AFP
