Sanchez, Swanson return to US squad for Spain friendlies

Head coach Emma Hayes has announced the US Women's National Team (USWNT) squad for two friendlies against Spain, the world's top-ranked side. The most notable headline is the return of forwards Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson. Sanchez, in scintillating form after equalling the NWSL single-season scoring record with 20 goals in 26 matches, earns her first recall in two years. Swanson, an Olympic hero from Paris, returns after maternity leave. The roster also includes goalkeepers Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC), and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United Women). Captain Lindsey Heaps, recently returned from OL Lyonnes and involved in launching NWSL expansion side Denver Summit, retains her leadership role. Trinity Rodman is also named. Notably, Mallory Swanson is listed as a midfielder despite being an experienced forward. Head coach Emma Hayes urged reporters not to "read too much into" the listing. This could be a genuine tactical experiment or simply a roster-mechanics decision. The two friendlies will take place at Audi Field (Washington, D.C.) on October 10 and in Chester, Pennsylvania on October 13. They represent a high-quality test for the USWNT as the team rebuilds toward 2027 World Cup qualifying. Hayes said: "We're looking forward at least to the Spain games to test ourselves against the very best. We're getting to the business end of what we need to do." The English coach also offered positive words for Sanchez: "She's at a stage of her career where she doesn't want to waste opportunities." The goalkeeper position remains the biggest question mark after Alyssa Naeher stepped aside. Hayes publicly backed Claudia Dickey: "I think Claudia leads the way." However, competition from Silkowitz and Tullis-Joyce suggests the No.1 spot is far from settled.