Spain’s Fast Start Stuns the USWNT in Washington

Spain scored twice in the opening 14 minutes and held off a sustained United States response to win 2-0 Saturday at a sold-out Audi Field in Washington. The meeting of the world’s top two ranked teams paired the reigning world champion against the reigning Olympic champion, but the decisive phase came before the match had settled.

Patricia Guijarro opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing Edna Imade’s service to punish an early American breakdown. Eva Navarro doubled the lead in the 14th minute from Salma Paralluelo’s assist. Spain generated only three shots on goal all afternoon, but its two early finishes left the United States chasing the game against a side comfortable managing possession and space.