USWNT returnees earn 2-2 draw against Spain, an early World Cup wake-up call

The US were on the verge of losing two straight at home, but second-half goals from Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson saved a draw

It was nearly time for the panic button. Maybe not to press it, but to look at it – to acknowledge that it’s within reach. A listless, shorthanded US women’s national team were struggling against Spain, down 2-0, and facing the ignominy of two straight decisive losses at home after Saturday’s 3-0 drubbing in Washington DC.

Then two players who had just returned to the team after long absences turned the tide. Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson, after international scoring droughts of 1,648 days and 801 days, respectively, each scored in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw with the defending World Cup winners.

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