USWNT Gets a Measuring Stick Ahead of the World Cup

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) faced Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, in a closely contested match at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The game, which ended 2-0 in Spain's favor, featured a physical contest with one red card and four yellow cards shown. Despite Spain's early goals, the U.S. squad failed to find the back of the net.

Emma Hayes, the team's coach, acknowledged Spain's world champion status but cautioned against giving the opponents undue advantage. The USWNT, currently ranked second in FIFA's global rankings, is in a period of transition, with key players like Naomi Girma injured, and others like Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Wilson returning after taking maternity leaves.

The match marked the first time these three players were together on the field simultaneously. The USWNT has undergone significant changes over the years, with star players retiring, the team exiting the Round of 16 in the last World Cup, and Hayes joining in 2024. The team's growth off the pitch, particularly at the new national training center in Georgia, has been notable, with improvements in sports psychology and recovery.

The Saturday match was well-attended, with 19,220 fans in the stands, reflecting the substantial growth in women's soccer in the U.S. in the past decade.