All week long, at the gleaming new U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, Emma Hayes talked about “learnings” that would benefit the team from its seismic collision with Spain, which ever since the 2023 World Cup has overthrown the USWNT and claimed the throne that the Americans had occupied as if it were a birthright.

And then came Saturday and Hayes and her team got, um, schooled: Spain 2, U.S. 0.

“I’m frustrated and disappointed,” said Hayes, looking frustrated and disappointed at her post-match presser while adding, “But I’m not deterred.”

Good for her because in the first 14 minutes, Spain unveiled a masterclass of technical proficiency that left the Americans appearing dazed and confused. And their coach with some homework to do on the ride up the turnpike to Philadelphia where they hope that a re-test on Tuesday will yield higher marks. “I’m sure we’ll all be on our iPads, studying the game,” said Trinity Rodman, the hometown darling who received a raucous ovation at DC’s sold-out Audi Field. She and everyone else on the bus will be trying to come up with answers to at least a few of the following questions:

• Can they find a defensive spine to withstand Spain’s kaleidoscopic midfield passing, swarming counter press and dead-eye finishing without the steely composure of their injured anchors Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey?

Granted, the U.S. outshot Spain 13-6 but that number belies the fact that La Roja made off with the Americans’ lunch money. “You can’t afford to go 2-0 down in the first 14 minutes against the best team in the world,” said Hayes. Imagine giving Usain Bolt a 20-yard head start in the 100-meter dash because when the gun sounded you froze in the blocks. Then imagine a U.S. midfield that hadn’t finished introducing themselves to their newly rejigged backline and well, as they say, no bueno.