Boyds, Md. (Jan. 22, 2019) – Washington Spirit midfielder Rose Lavelle provided the game-winning assist on a 54th minute strike by Christen Press for the U.S. Women’s National Team during Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Spain.
Lavelle made her first start and appearance of the year for the USA, notching her 21st career cap. The playmaking midfielder sparked what proved to be the only offensive breakthrough of the game for either side, when she played the ball to Press in-stride near the center circle, setting up a strong run and finish inside the right post. [WATCH]
Spirit forward Mallory Pugh played the entire second half for the USA as a 46th minute substitute for Lindsey Horan. Three days after scoring her 13th career goal against France, Pugh tallied her 45th international cap at the senior level. [+Full Recap]
Tuesday’s friendly at Estadio José Rico Pérez in Alicante, Spain was the first-ever meeting between the two nations on the women’s side. It wrapped up the USA’s two-game set of European friendlies, which began Saturday with a 3-1 loss to France.
The WNT returns to the USA for the beginning of the eight-game, home portion of Countdown to the Cup. The opening match of the 2019 SheBelieves Cup vs. Japan at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa. on Feb. 27 (7 p.m. ET; FS1).