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After struggles v Spain, the USWNT's midfield puzzle won't be easily…

Coach Emma Hayes keeps rotating midfield combinations in back-to-back games against the same opponent, and Spain looked sharper until a late US surge; the puzzle remains unsolved.

On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on Wake Up, America
Published 5:25 AM ET, Thursday, October 15, 2026

Photo: Spain women's national football team — Photo: Estevoaei · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “After struggles v Spain, the USWNT’s midfield puzzle won’t be easily solved”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 5:25 AM ET on Wake Up, America, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.
Topics: USWNT, Spain.
BBN covered this story before: USWNT draw with Spain: Sanchez and Swanson earn 9s in player ratings (October 14).

The real story

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

The GuardianAfter struggles v Spain, the USWNT’s midfield puzzle won’t be easily solved

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSpain looked more confident and more effective for much of the game, according to The Guardian.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe US only found its footing in a late surge.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWhat's the puzzle in the headline? Is it a jigsaw? Are we missing a piece under the couch?
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIt's the center of the field. The Guardian says the midfield lacks cohesion, and coach Emma Hayes keeps trying different combinations to fix it.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDifferent combinations. Like a lock?
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorLike a lock nobody has opened yet. The teams also play back-to-back games against the same opponent, so the rematch is the next test.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWait, a fourth half? Can the next game just start there?
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIt can't, Chip, and the reason is that it's not a real thing.