Hayes: USWNT 'side-by-side' with champion Spain — SkimNews
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- The USWNT lost 2-0 to Spain on Saturday in the first match of a back-to-back friendly doubleheader, with Hayes saying the U.S. lost structure in the first 30-45 minutes before dominating possession in the second half without scoring.
- Emma Hayes called the U.S. and Spain 'right side-by-side' but pointed to Spain's 'efficiency' as world champions and said her squad is 'still building back in together, particularly players who've been out for a period of time.'
- Sophia Wilson said the U.S. 'didn't lack chances' in the first meeting and urged more finishing 'selfishness' from the forwards, reinforcing her case as the team's No. 9 ahead of Tuesday's rematch.
- The rematch is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. ET at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. (TNT/HBO Max), with the U.S. listed at +165 and Spain at +140.
- Hayes said the U.S. has roughly 10 games remaining before the 2027 Women's World Cup, including next month's Concacaf W Championship that doubles as North America's qualifying tournament.
- Emily Fox framed the team's identity as stylistic versatility — 'If we need to go long, we go long. If we need to possess, we possess' — positioning that adaptability as essential against a Spain side expected to control the ball.
- Hayes' one ask of her players for Tuesday: 'Start earlier with the things that really matter,' signaling that Saturday's slow start, not the final score, was the primary concern.
Why it matters: Hayes has used the two-match window specifically as a first-choice lineup test against the world's best, and the U.S. has about 10 matches — including November's Concacaf W Championship qualifier — to close the efficiency gap with Spain before the 2027 World Cup. A bounce-back performance Tuesday would validate her two-year rebuild, while another disjointed showing would sharpen the exact gap she publicly acknowledged.
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