Rapinoe Penalty Brace Pushes U.S. Past Spain

Reign FC’s Megan Rapinoe scored twice from the penalty spot to help the U.S. Women’s National Team overcome Spain in the Round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup in France. Midfielder Allie Long did not appear for the U.S. in the win, while defender Celia Jimenez Delgado did not play for La Roja.

Rapinoe opened the scoring for the U.S. in the seventh minute. Tobin Heath drew a penalty and Rapinoe finished low and to the left past Sandra Panos to make it 1-0.

Spain recovered quickly, equalizing two minutes later. Jennifer Hermoso pounced on a wayward pass from American keeper Alyssa Naeher and chipped it over Naeher from long range to become the first player to score on the United States in the tournament.

The United States won a second penalty in the 71st minute. Rose Lavelle was tripped inside the box by Virginia Torecilla. Referee Katalin Kulcsar initially signaled for a penalty before confirming the call with the Video Assistant Referee.

Rapinoe stepped up to the spot, going low and left to beat Panos a second time.

The United States next faces host nation France at the Parc de Princes in Paris on Friday, June 28 at 12:00 p.m. PT. Fans can watch the quarterfinal match at one of Reign FC’s official World Cup viewing parties at Rhein Haus in Seattle and Tacoma.