USWNT aim to prove they are 'side-by-side' with World Cup champs Spain

The USWNT lost 2-0 to Spain on Saturday, two early defensive errors proving costly despite their ability to grow into the game as it progressed CHESTER, Pa. — The cadence of international soccer means national teams usually have plenty of time to fine-tune their approach — the U.S. women are no exception. Rare are the opportunities to prove a point quickly but as the USWNT gear up for a second friendly against Spain in four days, that is exactly what awaits them. With the Women's World Cup now just eight months away, the USWNT are very obviously in the pursuit of proving they can win their fifth title next summer. The point, though, is much more layered than that.

Head coach Emma Hayes has spent the last two years arguing there are no shortcuts to the podium, every step along the way meaningful in some shape, manner or form and against Spain in particular, the point is even more complex. Despite a 2-0 loss on Saturday where early defensive errors were costly, the U.S. team actually rebounded strongly and put together a convincing display that showcased their ability to go toe-to-toe with the world's top-ranked team. Tuesday's rematch offers a chance to make that last point much more concisely. "We have to tighten up on those things because actually, they