Spain scored twice in the opening 14 minutes before goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares saved a second-half penalty to beat the United States 2-0 on Saturday in a showdown between the world’s top two women’s football teams.
Patri Guijarro opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the third minute, beating US goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Eva Navarro then volleyed home Salma Paralluelo’s cross to extend Spain’s lead.
The match was the first of two friendly matches between reigning Women’s World Cup champions Spain and Olympic champions the United States. The teams, who have won the last three World Cups between them, will meet again Tuesday near Philadelphia.
US coach Emma Hayes said her side could not afford to give Spain an early advantage, while defender Emily Fox praised the opponents’ clinical finishing.
The Americans created several chances, but Nanclares denied Sophia Wilson and later saved Lily Yohannes’ penalty. Wilson also had a goal ruled out for offside following a video review.
Spain were reduced to 10 players late in the match after Athenea del Castillo received a red card for apparently pulling an American player’s hair.
Several key players missed the contest, including Spain’s three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí and US defenders Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett.
Mallory Swanson returned for the US in the 66th minute, making her first national-team appearance in more than 700 days after parental leave.