The match began with a moment for the history books. Alexia Putellas, named in the starting line-up, became the first Spanish player to reach 150 appearances for the national team. Since making her debut against Denmark on 28 June 2013, the midfielder from Mollet del Vallès has been one of the leading figures in a team that has won a FIFA Women’s World Cup and two UEFA Women’s Nations League titles. Her individual honours also include two Ballons d’Or and two The Best awards, cementing her status as one of the biggest stars in world football.

From the outset, Spain took complete control of possession, while the United States looked to exploit their pace on the counter-attack whenever they won the ball back. Wilson and Salma Paralluelo registered the first shots on target for their respective sides, although neither troubled Misa Rodríguez or Tullis-Joyce. The American goalkeeper was soon called into action, however, producing an excellent reflex save to deny Clara Pinedo and keep Spain at bay.

The hosts’ resistance was eventually broken by the night’s outstanding protagonist. Alexia Putellas opened the scoring after turning home a cross from Clara Serrajordi that Pinedo allowed to run through, wrong-footing the opposing defence and leaving Alexia perfectly placed to score on such a special occasion. The number 11 made no mistake, netting her 43rd goal for Spain in her 150th appearance to make the evening even more historic.

Just minutes later, Alexia swapped goalscoring for playmaking, sending Salma through one-on-one with the American goalkeeper. The forward from Zaragoza finished superbly to double Spain’s lead. The United States attempted to respond through a double chance for Ashley Sanchez, but Spain held firm and went into half-time 2–0 ahead — the same scoreline they had enjoyed at the break in Saturday’s match in Washington.

The United States came out attacking after the interval and were rewarded within minutes. Ashley Sanchez, Emma Hayes’s side’s most dangerous attacking player, pulled a goal back with a well-placed angled shot in the 49th minute.

On the hour mark, the approximately 18,500 spectators filling Subaru Park witnessed another memorable moment. Having scored and provided an assist, Alexia Putellas left the pitch to make way for Fiamma Benítez. The American crowd acknowledged the Catalan midfielder’s outstanding performance with applause as she came off in her 150th appearance for Spain.

The United States continued to push and came close to equalising shortly afterwards, but Misa was alert to deny Swanson, closing down the available space with an excellent save. Spain also had a chance to extend their lead when Natalia Ramos unleashed a powerful effort that sailed over the crossbar. In the closing stages, Swanson restored parity, finishing after being set up by Cooper. The drama continued into stoppage time, when Misa produced another outstanding save, making a crucial intervention to deny Yohannes in the 97th minute. The match ended 2–2.

Spain conclude the international window after two demanding matches that have showcased their potential ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. One win and one draw against the most decorated team in women’s international football, both on American soil, provide further encouragement for Sonia Bermúdez’s side.