USWNT Gets a Measuring Stick Ahead of the World Cup

The U.S. lost the first of two friendlies against top-ranked Spain in front of a sold-out crowd in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON — The U.S. lost 2–0 to World Cup defending champion Spain in a major test on home soil ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Brazil. On an overcast afternoon in Washington, D.C., the two sides battled in a physical match that featured one red and four yellow cards. Spain punched in two goals early in the first half, and the U.S. didn’t find an answer despite getting quality chances after halftime.