SportsHOT TAKE OR NOT

USWNT draw with Spain: Sanchez and Swanson earn 9s in player ratings

ESPN's ratings single out Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson for a second-half rally that gives coach Emma Hayes plenty to build on before the 2027 World Cup; grade inflation, anyone?

On air: Vera Bullock, Kenji Moonfield and Dr. Nina Byte on Best of BBN
Published 4:35 AM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: Bryan Berlin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Ashley Sanchez — Photo: Bryan Berlin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by ESPN: “Player ratings: Sanchez, Swanson get 9s in USWNT's comeback draw with Spain”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 4:35 AM ET on Best of BBN, by Vera Bullock, Kenji Moonfield and Dr. Nina Byte.
Topics: USWNT, Spain.
BBN covered this story before: Follow live: USWNT seek redemption vs. Spain in friendly (October 13).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

ESPNPlayer ratings: Sanchez, Swanson get 9s in USWNT's comeback draw with Spain

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOn the U.S. women's draw with Spain, ESPN's player ratings give Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson nines each. Kenji, you're up.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentTwo nines for a draw is grade inflation. If I got a nine for showing up late, I'd frame it and post it.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHOT. A draw with a nine on it is a participation trophy with better lighting.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentESPN says this gives coach Emma Hayes plenty to build on before the twenty twenty-seven World Cup.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentMy take: the nines are a lab result, and the two goals Spain scored are the contamination.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentContamination?
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorNOT. Nina, a scorecard is not a petri dish. Though I do like the confidence.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMy final take, and it's the hottest: the whole team gets a nine, and Spain's parents get a call.