@jeffkassouf.bsky.social
Lead NWSL + USWNT writer at ESPN. Founder of The Equalizer. Covering women's soccer since 2009.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social#USWNT head coach Emma Hayes:
"I'm frustrated. I'm disappointed. But I'm not deterred."
"I think we're much closer to them than we were three years ago definitely."
Hayes was happy with the chances her team created, but not the poor finishing. Players said the finer details were lacking early.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialThe #USWNT knew that one momentary lapse could cost them against world champs Spain. They lapsed twice in the first 14 minutes. The US was dangerous but wasteful the rest of the game. These are the fine details that Spain mastered—and the US is relearning.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialFT: #USWNT 0, Spain 2
Spain scored twice early as the U.S. struggled to find this game in the opening 15 minutes. The U.S. was much improved in the second half -- nearly 2.0 xG to Spain's <0.5, and U.S. had a penalty saved -- but they couldn't convert. They meet again Tuesday.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social90th minute red card to Spain: Athenea is sent off for pulling Michelle Cooper's hair, after review.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialUSWNT has been knocking on the door throughout the second half. Sophia Wilson earned the penalty, but Adriana Nanclares saves Lily Yohannes' attempt and keeps this game 2-0 Spain. Much better this half from the U.S. in patterns of progression, but still nothing to show for it.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialTriple change for the #USWNT: Ashley Sanchez, Mallory Swanson and Claire Hutton are on for Rose Lavelle, Alyssa Thompson and Lindsey Heaps.
Sanchez and Swanson are back on the field for the United States for the first time in two years.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialHalftime changes:
Gisele Thompson is on for Avery Patterson at left back for the #USWNT
Clara Serrajordi is on for Patri Guijarro for Spain
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialHalftime: #USWNT 0, Spain 2
Spain scored twice on 0.24 xG. Central errors by the U.S., Spain pounced as everyone knows they can and will. A key difference has also been Spain's ability to hold possession high up the field. U.S. has to start finding feet to keep the ball in the second half.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialSpain is playing a high line despite the pace of this U.S. front line, and it has made this a very open game. Thompson in behind multiple times, but the US has nothing to show for it. Spain has taken advantage of it, especially on their second goal.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social2-0 Spain after 14 minutes, and the #USWNT is huddled up trying to sort things out.
Parauellelo gets Davidson isolated on the left, hits a cross to a wide open Eva Navarro, making a secondary run out of midfield.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialGOAL Spain - 3 minutes in! Patri Guijarro has space outside the box and nails a shot inside the far post. Dream start for Spain. Early letdown for the #USWNT, especially for such an emphasis on getting pressure on the ball in the middle of the park.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialAnd it is Rodman on the left to start out. #USWNT
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialHelicopter flyover done, here we go. #USWNT v Spain is underway.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social#USWNT XI to face Spain.
This is how they trained this week in Georgia. We'll see if they add this wrinkle today: Rodman on the left to cut inside.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social#USWNT v Spain, Round 1, in a few hours here on a cloudy fall day in DC. World No. 1 v No. 2. World Cup champs v Olympic champs. The most exciting U.S. domestic friendly in a long time (and there's a rematch in three days).
US keys to the match: Pressure, Patience, Possession.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialJamaica beat Mexico 4-3 on Friday in the first of 2 meetings ahead of next month's World Cup qualifying. Reminder that Jamaica got out of a group w/Brazil + France @ 2023 WC. Mexico did not qualify (when 6 of 8 Concacaf ultimately did, and Mexico hosted). Mexico v Haiti in win-and-in quarterfinal
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialInteresting. There was a noticeable presence around town when I was there for the March opener -- highway billboards, events, lots of people in jerseys in everyday locations. Not so much the airport, but the scale of that airport is day and night to DCA/KC others.
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialJamaica leads Mexico 3-2 ‼️ ...at halftime ‼️ ...in Mexico ‼️ Friday Night Lights, Concacaf edition
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialImmediately saw Spirit ads at DCA. Like in KC, where the Current branding hits you starting at the airport. No coincidence that those teams have become part of the fabric of their respective cities. #NWSL
@jeffkassouf.bsky.socialTrinity Rodman told Ali Krieger that she has found a new "freedom to be myself" with the #USWNT. They also spoke about being less predictable and more connected to teammates on the field, reuniting with Ashley Sanchez, and that crazy day going from DC⚽️✈️➡️ NY 🎾
FULL Futbol W interview 👇