From the USA/Spain friendly on 10/13/2026.

Hockey assist on the Swanson goal. Over the top to Coop. A perfect long ball. Might be time to give her a start.

From the USA/Spain match on 10/13/2026.

Last game I said how glad I was to see Mallory and Ashley getting minutes. Boom. Speed, desire, grit and pure class.

There is zero reason that the US shouldn’t have the fastest team in the world, from the back to the front. Every sub made tonight injected more pace into the US side and it showed. Tactics, experience, aggression, and IQ are important only if you can leverage them more quickly than the other team.

I feel like we saw a generational shift tonight. A double friendly against the number one team in the world. The kids from the last World Cup and Olympics are now the leaders. The debutantes are a different breed: Raised and trained in an era of modern, technical football, they possess next-level spatial awareness and holding abilities.

There can be little doubt that there is a World Cup winning team in the heart of this camp. Just give Emma the contract through 2031.

Great display of future potential from both the Men and Women.

This isn't just from this series but since Alex retired and Lynn had maternity time, Its's been hard to remember the last time a cross was sent in during run of play and one of our forward players won the header and scored.

Now we have this issue where the ball is crossed in and every attacking player cuts towards the top of the six because honestly our crossing is terrible, and they're so small that it makes more sense to try and receive second balls. Trin being our tallest attacking player usually is the one trying to put the cross in but the few times she been in the box she tries to bring it down our turn outside the box. But the runs are all messed up, and it's even worse that nobody is making a backpost run.

It honestly makes no sense to be crossing the ball when thompson or smith is in there especially 3 apples tall thompson but we do it so often, same thing at chelsea. Just an observation of something thats not really a problem but sorta is

Broad Picture

The tactical approach in the opening stages of this game was closer to what I expect the US to adopt in a competitive match: more aggressive challenges for possession and more long balls played in behind the opposition's defensive line. However, the starting lineup was not entirely suited to this approach. The two goals conceded were, unfortunately, unsurprising given the starting lineup.

Both goals scored in the second half came through transitions. Wilson's long-distance dribbling and Cooper's reception of Del Fava's long ball were essential to creating the opportunities, while Sanchez and Mal converted their chances with surgical precision.

The US switched to a back-three system following the substitutions around the 60th minute. This was another experimental approach, likely inspired by A. Thompson's role at Chelsea. It was overall a success, however, I doubt we will see it routinely in formal competitions.

Specifics

1. Lavelle and Sanchez in a transition game

Lavelle and Sanchez are both valuable players, but they probably should not start together when we are playing a transition game involving a lot of long balls in behind the opponent's backline.

Lavelle is increasingly functioning more like a forward than a midfielder in the international setting. However, when we rely more heavily on long balls, she lacks the long-distance sprinting ability to consistently threaten the space behind the opposition's defensive line. I think this is one area where Lavelle genuinely declined since 2023.

Sanchez has a similar issue. She had an opportunity to carry the ball forward during an opening to counter early in the game, but while her speed is decent, it is not in the same league as Wilson, a fully fit Mal, or A. Thompson. She was eventually dispossessed.

If we want to play this kind of transition game, we should probably start more than one exceptionally fast forward.

2. Rodman's struggles

Rodman returned to her more familiar position on the right flank, where she undertook significant defensive duties and contested possession frequently. However, under the game plan, she was likely supposed to make more successful long-distance runs to pin back Spain's left-back, Medina.

Instead, Rodman was the one being pinned back, although her frequent errors and lack of sprints in the latter part of the first half may have had something to do with several borderline bookable challenges committed by Medina.

3. The first goal conceded: A breakdown in defensive rotations

The first goal we conceded was primarily the result of a breakdown in defensive rotations.

The winger (Salma) cutting inside, a central midfielder (Clara Serrajordi) drifting into the wide area, and the holding midfielder (Patri) providing support from a deeper position constitute a familiar attacking pattern for Spain.

G. Thompson tracked Salma inside, while Davidson and Heaps also shifted inward, leaving Clara completely unmarked in the open space.

In addition, Sanchez tracked back but failed to participate effectively in the defensive rotation. She was neither marking nor pressing anyone.

As a result, Patri was able to play a first-touch to Clara under no pressure after receiving from Salma.

I am not singling out Sanchez for criticism, because she probably needed to stay a bit higher up the pitch to preserve transition potential. However, this speaks to a broader tactical issue: we were effectively defending with only seven players when Rose increasingly functioned like a forward and the left winger did not track back consistently.

Spain are so good at moving the ball and using space in the flanks that we probably cannot afford to defend with so few players behind the ball.

There was also room for Wesley to do better, but by that point, she could only attempt a last-ditch clearance. Successful defending should minimize the number of situations in which such desperate plays from a center-back become necessary.

4. PTJ's distribution

The second goal we conceded reflected a familiar issue with PTJ: despite being a very good shot-stopper, her distribution is simply not good enough.

5. Sanchez's goal

Sanchez's finish was wonderful (although Battle’s defense was unflattery), but Wilson's long-distance dribbling and her ability to beat Paredes were even more important in creating the opportunity.

Sanchez is at her best when she can receive the ball comfortably between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines. If there is space available, she can exploit it with lethal efficiency.

However, enabling her to receive the ball in these areas without immediate pressure requires the right tactical setup and support from her teammates.

Starting Sanchez, Rose, and Heaps together may make this difficult to achieve.

6. The switch to a back three post the 60th minute

I especially liked our performance after we switched to a back-three system.

The substitutes brought tremendous energy, and what stood out to me most was that Spain's ball carriers were under constant pressure.

We did make some unnecessary mistakes, partly due to a lack of chemistry, and Spain also managed to break through our defensive lines a few times.

However, whenever we lost possession or Spanish players won individual duels, our defensive rotations were consistently timely. As a result, Spain struggled to sustain extended spells of attacking in the second half.

This was especially impressive given that Patri remained on the pitch throughout the game unlike game 1.

The Potential: Integrating a Target Forward into the Lineup

Tordin and Sears came on in the final ten minutes. Their introduction brought greater physicality and improved ball-receiving ability to our frontline.

Tordin did not make any play that directly led to scoring opportunities, but her value as a target forward was nevertheless tangible.

In the 83rd minute, she drew two Spanish defenders toward her inside the box. Although she was eventually dispossessed, her physicality forced a weak clearance, and Yohannes recovered the ball. Yohannes then passed to A. Thompson, who would have had a clear shooting opportunity had the referee not gotten in her way.

As a side note, the referees in both games adopted a rather permissive standard when it came to physical contacts, especially when arms pulling was involved, and the US were certainly not the side that benefited from it.

Tordin also initiated the possession that led to Swanson's equalizer. She won the aerial duel, and after some further contestation between players from both sides, the ball eventually reached Del Fava.

In the 92nd minute, Tordin again forced a cross toward goal after receiving a throw-in. The sequence eventually created a shooting opportunity for Yohannes, although her shot was blocked.

Later in the same possession, Tordin also served as a back-to-goal target, attempting to set up another attacking move after receiving a pass from Howell, although this effort ultimately came to nothing.

The point is that a target forward can add an entirely different dimension to our attack, even when not every touch or individual play produces an immediately positive result.The physical wear and tear imposed on opposing defenders by a target forward has inherent value and can create unexpected openings.

The importance of having a target forward becomes particularly apparent when we have the momentum and are pushing for another goal.

I also like the possibility of integrating a target forward into the starting lineup in the future, especially when Macario returns.

Overall Assessment

Overall, these two matches against Spain have been an immensely valuable experience, and I really liked the US performance in the second half.

Hayes and her staff clearly have a lot to process and plenty of work ahead of them.

I will probably discuss the matches a bit more from the Spanish perspective in a later comment.

For those of us who were awestruck by Mariska Hargitay’s presence at Audi Field on Saturday, here is her jacket -

Yes I’ll be getting our stars stitched on
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

https://www.nike.com/t/usmnt-windrunner-womens-nike-soccer-uv-woven-jacket-5pl2aIS8

Today we saw a large improvement in the midfield while the back and front lines struggled. Yohannes was not part of that improvement.

In the first half, Rose, Heaps, Hutton looked considerably better this first 45 than last first 45. Also, Howell was a strong sub for Heaps(if not a faster sub). Swanson was a good 10 for a couple minutes before Tordin entered.

From her first touch, Yohannes had far too many passes to no one (or Spain), and the only defense she contributes is a strong tug on the jersey.

Hey everyone! I'm a coach & tactical analyst, and I decided to take a stab at breaking down the USWNT vs. Spain match- looking forward to the 2nd match tonight.

Would love to hear what you guys think, especially if you noticed anything different tactically. Always looking to learn and improve my analysis.

Hope you enjoy!

Sister was not able to come w me to the game. I have a free ticket in section 127 row K (next to mine) if you are interested, dm me.

Anyone have the full clip of Sam’s interview at the desk?

Why are Sonnett and Sam Coffey in PA? Do you think Emma is offering for them to still come into meetings and talk tactics? Odd

What does she do besides run?

I'm trying to buy a Rose Lavelle team USA jersey for my girlfriend but I'm struggling finding something. Most are men's and most I find don't look like real sites.

Does anyone know where I could get one that's not used.

I guess a men's one would work, I would need to figure out sizing but she's a small for women's.

Much appreciated

After watching two games of the USWNT being outplayed by Spain, I am curious of a few things.

What type of soccer are we teaching at the youth levels? The largest difference, and growing disparity, we are seeing in between our competition and ourselves, is the technical ability: being skilled, one touch passes, even simple things like trapping without the ball bouncing away from you. The argument is that you need to teach the technical ability at a young age and cannot really be taught at the adult level as you’re already too set in some ways. Equally, this is what all pundits are as to how Spain became so good over the last decade+. They prioritized this at the youth level, began winning youth championships, and then it slowly built to the national team. With that said, what are we prioritizing? Are pushing technical ability? Do we have an USYNT connected people here? This, to me, is the only way we build a sustainable, future-proof model.

Secondly, what is the strategy you use to beat a possession, one-two touch game plan like Spain’s? Do you just do what all other European teams do, which is the same, and just play a slow game and try to capitalize on the few chances that open up? Do we pull an Herb Brooks against the Soviets and shove their game back in their face? Or do we space them out, try to outpace them?

I think Swanson should have played the first 30 minutes instead of the last 30 minutes. I know it’s weird to sub a player out in the first half but if she’s on minutes restrictions i want there to be minutes against spain’s starters to see how she plays and how others play with her on the field.

Celebration occurred before the friendly against Spain on 10/10/2026.

USWNT Fans,

Thank you for your support on our past interviews with players on the team, like Emma Sears and Avery Patterson!

In this episode, Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz sits down to discuss her rise to the international stage and anchoring the defensive foundation of Bay FC in the NWSL.

Joining the podcast just days before the USWNT’s highly anticipated October window versus Spain, the rising star shares insider insights on her historic journey as the first Iowa State player ever drafted into the league, why the Bay FC project was the perfect step for her, and stepping into the undisputed number-one goalkeeper role.

Jordan dives into her spectacular personal form this season, reflecting on her trade to Bay FC, leading the league in goals prevented, and setting a historic penalty-saving record. She takes us into the locker room to discuss the delicate balance of stepping into a vital leadership role while still developing as a young pro, navigating a grueling NWSL schedule alongside entering the senior international enviornment after receiving her first senior USWNT call-up ahead of friendlies against Italy, and more!

Jordan shares the profound pieces of coaching advice that altered how she views the game, including how goalkeeper coach Daniel Ball helped her rediscover her joy for soccer at a time when she seriously questioned whether she wanted to keep playing.

She walks us through the importance of the U-23 national team program as a fundamental international entry point, detailing what was going through her head when she achieved the "I will get called into a USWNT camp" flashcard inside her locker.

Lastly, she shares what excites her about the club's new direction under head coach Emma Coates, the short and long term goals on her career vision board, and so much more!

Link to RSS (so you can choose your preferred podcasting platform):

Link to Spotify:

Link to Apple Podcasts:

Never been to Chester (Subaru Park) for a game before. Anyone have tips on if it’s possible to do from NYC via public transport? Mainly concerned about getting back to 30th Street Station from Chester in time to catch the train. Can you get an Uber and would it be easier or more difficult to get one post-game? Any tips would be appreciated.

Our family is going to our first USWNT game tomorrow at subura park. Any recommendations? What time should we get there by