Alexia stars in Spain's draw against the United States
The Spanish national team drew 2-2 against the United States. The goals for *La Roja* were scored by Alexia Putellas, in her 150th match for the national team, and Salma Paralluelo. For their part, Ashley Sánchez pulled one back, and Mallory Swanson equalised for the North American side in the final stages.
14 OCT 2026
Following their victory in Washington, the Spanish national team drew against the United States at a Subaru Park packed with over 18,000 spectators. Sonia Bermúdez made several changes to the starting XI, including Misa Rodríguez, who returned to the goal for *La Roja*. The Canary Islands goalkeeper was caught out in the fourth minute, but the home side was not fortunate. In the next play, Wilson attempted a shot, but Spain's goalkeeper gathered the ball. Alexia Putellas controlled the play in midfield, and just as the American team was looking strongest, the first goal of the match arrived. Clara Serrajordi delivered a low cross, Clara Pinedo let the ball go, and Alexia tapped the ball in at the far post in her 150th appearance for the national team.
Just five minutes later, an inspired Alexia Putellas again left several defenders trailing and assisted Salma Paralluelo, who scored the second goal of the game with a powerful shot to make it 0-2 on the scoreboard. Emma Hayes' side tried to pull one back before half-time, but they could not get past a solid *Roja* defence. After the break, Sonia Bermúdez made three substitutions. Ona Batlle, Lucía Corrales, and Alba Redondo entered the pitch. However, just three minutes after coming on, the North American side managed to reduce the deficit. Sophia Wilson found Ashley Sánchez, who beat Ona Batlle to fire a shot across goal that surprised Misa Rodríguez, who could do nothing to stop it.
Following the goal, the North American team went all out for the win, making up to five substitutions. For their part, Sonia Bermúdez experimented by bringing on Fiamma and Lucía García. A superb Misa Rodríguez saved a shot from Swanson. The Canary Islander also used her fists to parry a corner. Laia Codina, Ornella Vignola, and Natalia Ramos were the Spaniards' final changes to maintain the result. However, with four minutes left on the clock, Mallory Swanson scored the definitive 2-2 in the closing stages of the match. Despite the bittersweet feeling of not securing all three points, the Spanish national team concluded their double-header friendly against the United States with one win and one draw, passing their first tests for the Brazil World Cup with flying colours.
Match Details
United States: Phallon Tullis-Joyce; Emily Fox, Kennedy Wesley, Tierna Davidson (Kate Del Fava 80’), Gisele Thompson (Alyssa Thompson 61’); Trinity Rodman (Michelle Cooper 61’), Ashley Sánchez (Pietra Tordin 80’), Lindsey Heaps (Lily Yohannes 61’); Claire Hutton (Jaelin Marie Howell 61’), Rose Lavelle (Mallory Swanson 61’) and Sophia Wilson (Emma Sears 80’).
Spain: Misa Rodríguez; Oihane Hernández (Ona Batlle 46’), Irene Paredes (Laia Codina 77’), María Méndez, Andrea Medina (Ornella Vignola 78’); Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas (Fiamma Benítez 62’), Clara Serrajordi (Natalia Ramos 78’); Salma Paralluelo (Lucía Corrales 46’), Edna Imade (Alba Redondo 46’) and Clara Pinedo (Lucía García 62’).
Head Referee: Myriam Marcotte. Booked Natalia Ramos and Ornella Vignola for Spain.
Goals: 0-1 Alexia Putellas 27th minute, 0-2 Salma Paralluelo 32nd minute, 1-2 Ashley Sánchez 49th minute, and 2-2 Mallory Swanson 86th minute.