After struggles v Spain, the USWNT’s midfield puzzle won’t be easily solved

The lack of cohesion in the center of the park is evident for the US, with Emma Hayes continuing to try different combinations The discourse around the US women’s national team may have been a harsh one if not for a fourth-half surge against Spain. In the latest of their back-to-back bookings, where Emma Hayes’ team plays the same opponent twice, Spain looked far more confident and effective than the four-time champions. Both teams were missing a handful of crucial players; Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey headlining the US’s absentees, while Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey and Clàudia Pina were among Spain’s.

Nonetheless, Spain controlled the game and forced the US to settle for scraps in the final third. The first game saw Spain rush to a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes and maintain that margin for the rest of the match. On Tuesday, the US once again entered half-time facing an identical deficit. It