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The day before the U.S. women\u2019s national team faced world No. 1 Spain, head coach Emma Hayes named Patri Guijarro as one of the most underrated players on the opposing side.<\/p>\n It took the Spanish midfielder only three minutes of her team\u2019s 2-0 win Saturday to prove Hayes right.\u00a0<\/p>\n The USWNT was still settling into play at Audi Field for its first international match in four months when Guijarro delivered a strike from outside the box to net the opening goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n For the hosts, it was a nightmare start. Hayes\u2019 side had entered the October FIFA window aiming to make a statement against the former international underdogs turned reigning World Cup champions.\u00a0<\/p>\n The two scheduled home matches against Spain represented litmus tests less than a year out from the 2027 Women\u2019s World Cup. They also offered the U.S., previously regarded as the dominant side in women\u2019s soccer, a chance to make its case for being the world\u2019s best.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now, No. 2 U.S. was playing catch-up.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n Access the best women\u2019s soccer coverage all year long\n <\/p>\n \n Start your FREE, 7-day trial of The Equalizer Extra for industry-leading reporting and insight on the USWNT, NWSL and beyond.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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