CHESTER, Pa. — Mallory Swanson scored an 86th-minute equalizer as the United States recovered from a two-goal halftime deficit to draw 2–2 with Spain at Subaru Park on Tuesday, October 13.
The substitute’s right-footed volley completed a comeback started by Ashley Sanchez and denied Spain a second victory over the Americans in four days, according to U.S. Soccer’s match report. Spain had won Saturday’s meeting in Washington 2–0.
Swanson’s finish came after debutant defender Kate Del Fava sent a long pass down the right to Michelle Cooper. Cooper held the ball before finding Swanson inside the penalty area. The forward controlled the bouncing pass, turned and struck into the bottom-left corner from about 15 yards.
It was Swanson’s 39th international goal and her first for the United States since the winner against Brazil in the Olympic gold-medal match on August 10, 2024. She became the 12th mother to score for the USWNT, the federation said. NBC Sports’ video shows the late equalizer.
Spain had seized control with two goals five minutes apart. Alexia Putellas finished Clara Serrajordi’s low cross at the far post in the 27th minute. Putellas then collected a poor clearance and released Salma Paralluelo, whose 32nd-minute shot struck the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line.
Sanchez reduced the deficit four minutes after halftime. Sophia Wilson broke through a challenge near midfield and passed left to Sanchez, who drove into the box and sent a low shot into the bottom-right corner. It was her fourth international goal and first since July 2022.
Emma Hayes’ substitutions helped sustain the American pressure. Swanson had an earlier effort saved by Misa Rodriguez before scoring, while Lily Yohannes nearly produced a winner with a late deflected shot that Rodriguez pushed away.
The draw came in front of 18,648 spectators. Del Fava and forward Pietra Tordin earned their first senior caps, taking the number of players used by Hayes this calendar year to a program-record 46.
The United States next faces El Salvador in a Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal in Mansfield, Texas, on November 27. The winner will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, U.S. Soccer said.
