Early Spain goals and Nanclares saves leave USWNT beaten at Audi Field

NSMT NewsroomOctober 11, 2026

A U.S. player and a Spain player contest the ball at Audi Field on October 10. Photo: Jamie LeBlanc / The NSMT.

Spain struck twice in the opening 14 minutes and held off a U.S. response for a 2–0 win Saturday at Audi Field in Washington.

Patricia Guijarro scored from outside the penalty area in the third minute after an Edna Imade layoff. Eva Navarro doubled the lead in the 14th, meeting Salma Paralluelo’s cross with a first-time finish.

Spanish goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares preserved the advantage. She tipped Sophia Wilson’s first-half shot onto the crossbar and saved Lily Yohannes’ penalty in the 70th minute after Wilson had been pulled down inside the box.

Wilson had appeared to score in the 53rd minute, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside. The Americans outshot Spain 13–6 without finding a breakthrough.

Mallory Swanson entered in the 66th minute for her first U.S. appearance in 710 days. Her late cross found fellow substitute Ashley Sanchez, whose close-range sliding attempt missed the target.

Spain finished with 10 players after a stoppage-time VAR review upgraded a yellow card to a dismissal for violent conduct involving a hair pull on Michelle Cooper.

The teams meet again October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, at 7 p.m. Eastern.

A U.S. player approaches the ball as Spain players watch at Audi Field on October 10. Photo: Jamie LeBlanc / The NSMT.

The United States starting XI poses together before the Spain match at Audi Field on October 10. Photo: Jamie LeBlanc / The NSMT.