United States survive test from Spain 1-0 to keep winning streak alive

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA forward Megan Rapinoe (15) fights for the ball with Spain defender Marta Corredera (7) during the first half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The United States defeated Spain 1-0 in a hard-fought battle in front of a sold-out crowd at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, with a late-game header into the net by Julie Ertz sealing the match on the second leg of the SheBelieves Cup tournament.

Spain put up perhaps the biggest challenge the U.S. has faced so far since head coach Vlatko Andonovski took the reins in October, nearly scoring in the 24th minute on a ball that hit the crossbar and keeping U.S. tender Alyssa Naeher on her toes with an aggressive offensive performance.

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA midfielder Julie Ertz (8) celebrates her goal against Spain with teammates during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

But the U.S. continued their winning streak since claiming victory at the World Cup, as Ertz headed in a goal off an assist from Christen Press.

"They’re a great team, they’re really cohesive, they’re bought into what they do, I’ve nothing but great things to say about the way that they play," Ertz told reporters.

"We knew we were going to have to defend but it was really about staying together and anchoring in when needed.

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA midfielder Julie Ertz (8) celebrates her goal against Spain with teammates during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

"Sometimes you have to grind it out in the end, so that’s kind of what we did."

Andonovski told reporters afterward that Spain is exactly the kind of opponent he wants his players up against "in the process" to improve.

"We knew they’re good, we knew they’re technical," he said. "We saw at times how dangerous they can be."

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (1) makes a save against Spain during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The match drew a crowd of 26,500 despite ongoing concerns over the global coronavirus outbreak, which has upended sporting events worldwide and raised fears that the upcoming Tokyo Games may be cancelled, postponed or held without fans.

The U.S. plays Japan and Spain faces off against England on March 11, in the final leg of the SheBelieves Cup.

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (1) reacts during the second half of a match against Spain in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

(Reporting By Amy Tennery; Editing by Michael Perry)

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA forward Carli Lloyd (10) and Spain midfielder Virginia Torrecilla (14) fight for the ball during the first half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA defender Crystal Dunn (19) plays the ball against Spain forward Marta Cardona (9) during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas (11) and USA defender Abby Dahlkemper (7) fight for a header during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; USA defender Crystal Dunn (19) reacts after being pushed down by Spain forward Sheila Garcia (21) during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Spain forward Lucia Garcia (17) plays the ball against USA midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) during the second half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 8, 2020; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Spain head coach Jorge Vilda coaches against the USA during the first half of a match in the 2020 She Believes Cup soccer series at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The United States faces off against Spain in the SheBelieves Cup tournament in Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, U.S. March 8, 2020. REUTERS/Amy Tennery