USWNT vs. Spain: Key takeaways from a battle of the world's best

On-field balance was a serious issue

The USWNT's first half was marked by a pervasive (and very visible) lack of balance across the attacking third. The team's best runs came exclusively down the right, through Gotham attacker Rose Lavelle and Chelsea attacker Alyssa Thompson, while all of its best finishers — Washington's Trinity Rodman, Portland's Sophia Wilson and Houston's Avery Patterson — stayed huddled on the left. None of the balls Lavelle and Thompson played were able to find their way through to their recipients. Spain's defense was able to intercept them every time.

There was a reason for this: Spain's best attacks came from that left side of the field (indeed, both of its first-half goals started there) and the USWNT was clearly trying to overload the area with personnel to limit its opponent's ability to go forward. The tactic was a sound one in theory, but it wound up limiting the USWNT's forward movement, too — and everything improved when coach Emma Hayes abandoned it in the second half.

The Thompson sisters made a strong case for their World Cup inclusion

The USWNT's first half was a messy, unbalanced affair, but it did have one bright spot in it: Chelsea attacker Alyssa Thompson. Her runs down the right flank were the best thing about the USWNT's opening minutes, and she was only let down by the lack of finishers on her side of the field.

As the second half began — and the USWNT grew into the match — it was Alyssa's sister Gisele who made much of the difference. She came on for Avery Patterson and immediately added verve, grit and intention to the USWNT's movement. The two sisters have always been an important part of the team's landscape, but they appear to be coming into their own and exactly the right moment for its 2027 World Cup campaign.

"Triple Espresso" returned for the first time in a long time

When Mallory Swanson joined the fray in the 65th minute, it was a moment of celebration and relief for the USWNT. It was the Chicago forward's first USWNT appearance in well over two years, and it meant that the team's Olympic-famous attacking lineup of Swanson, Sophia Wilson and Rodman was back together too. The trio wasn't able to find a way through Spain in this match, but still: Its return is an exciting occasion for USWNT fans who remember its 10-goal turn at the Paris Games.

The USWNT will get one more chance to take the hammer to Spain. It will face it again in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Oct. 13.