USWNT vs. Spain Score, Highlights, Stats and Reaction

The United States women's national team didn't want a repeat of Saturday's 2-0 loss against Spain on Tuesday night. It took a pretty epic second half to avoid some unwanted déjà vu.

The USWNT erased a 2-0 deficit against the defending World Cup Champions and salvaged a 2-2 draw after a fantastic second half performance.

Spain took the lead in the first half behind goals from two-time Ballon d'Or Féminin-winner Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo.

Putellas was a monster in the first half, also finishing with an assist, and easily could have had a second.

But the United States came roaring back behind goals from Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson.

Spain finished the match holding 56 percent of possession but it was the Americans who led in overall shots (15-12), shots on goal (6-5) and corners (8-5). The United States were downright dominant at points in the second half.

Overall, USWNT supporters were happy with the showing:

The game played out quite differently from what head coach Emma Hayes said she wanted, however, at least in the first half.

"My big request to the team is to do it earlier," she told reporters prior to the rematch. "Like, start earlier with the things that really matter."

Instead, the game fell into a similar cadence—Spain were far better earlier but the United States slowly seized control of the game. This time, however, a strong second-half showing also resulted in goals.

"I think we're much closer to them than we were three years ago, definitely," Hayes told reporters following Saturday's rematch.

Tuesday's effort should only reinforce that belief.