USWNT loses back-to-back matches for the first time in 5 years

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) dropped its second international match in a row yesterday in a 2-0 defeat to Spain marking the first time the Spaniards have beaten the United States. Earlier in the week the USWNT dropped a 2-1 match to England in a surprising result.

While both teams had several top players missing, the U.S. due to injuries and the Spanish due to the turmoil within the leadership of the team, the U.S. was unable to make it through the five defenders the Spanish played across the back. Between the tight defense and the home fans, Spain had the upper hand ultimately ousting the No. 1 team in the world.

In the first half of play, the U.S. was able to pass through the defense and create some opportunities, but could not capitalize in the final third. Spain found the back of the net shortly before halftime with a goal from Laia Codina on a corner kick. Having the lead going into the locker room can bring motivation or overconfidence, but the Spaniards stayed even keeled when they emerged.

The USWNT came out of the locker room with that motivation to find the equalizer producing seven shots quickly, but none ended up on target. Spain was able to put up four shots, but didn’t get lucky again until the 72nd minute. Esther Gonzalez finished a one-time shot off of a cross to double Spain’s lead.

Spain beating the United States following the team’s loss to England marks the first time since 2017 the USWNT has lost back-to-back games. It is only the third time in the last 20 years the team has lost two matches in a row, which may be cause for concern with the FIFA Women’s World Cup looming next year.

The USWNT’s next match will be on home soil when they host No. 2 Germany for a pair of games to be played November 10 in Florida and November 13 in New Jersey. The games should give a better insight into the state of the teams ahead of the World Cup and may change predictions for the outcome. While the United States is still a heavy favorite, these two losses may change that.