BRIDGEVIEW, IL – JUNE 19: Andi Sullivan #12 of the Washington Spirit dribbles the ball during a game between Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium on June 19, 2021 in Bridgeview, Illinois.
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Sara Campbell
WashingtonSpirit.com
Leesburg, VA., (07/24/2021) — The Washington Spirit will face off against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lynn Family Stadium. The match will be live streamed on Paramount+ for domestic fans and internationally on NWSL’s Twitch channel.
Sunday’s contest will be the second meeting between the two squads this regular season. In only their second game of the season, the Spirit fell short to Racing 0-2 at the expansion side’s new home field in a hard-fought battle. Washington did, however, come out on top 1-0 during the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup from a late goal by forward Ashley Sanchez.
The Opposition
Racing Louisville has three wins this regular season — one of which occurred against the Spirit. In the new club’s most recent matchup, Racing drew 1-1 against the Orlando Pride after conceding a late goal in stoppage time. They currently sit in 8th place on the table, one place below the Spirit.
While attacker Cece Kizer continues to be an offensive threat to backlines, England native Ebony Salmon brings another forceful attacking presence to Louisville’s lineup. In five matches, Salmon has managed to score three goals, helping lead her team to their greatest shutout of the season against the Chicago Red Stars, 3-0.
Another player to watch is 24-year-old Savannah McCaskill in midfield. Having started every regular season game, the midfielder has found the back of the net three times. McCaskill brings a physical presence to the center of the pitch, assisting in her ability to win the ball in important pockets of the field.
Head Coach Christy Holly continues to make new additions to her roster. The most recent one being the acquisition of highly touted forward Nadia Nadim, who adds a new layer of bite to Racing’s attack. The former Paris Saint-Germain player scored 10 goals and made four assists during the 2021 campaign. NWSL fans may recognize the Danish international from her notable time spent with Sky Blue from 2014-2015 and the Portland Thorns from 2016-2017.
The Spirit
The Spirit travel to Kentucky following a nailbiter against NJ/NY Gotham FC, where the squad lost 2-3. Despite this tough defeat, Washington has proved to be successful on the road. Richie Burke’s team was victorious in Kansas City with a 2-1 win during the last away contest. The Spirit come into this weekend’s match on a four game unbeaten streak on the road.
Washington is heading back on the road after playing three consecutive games at home. Look out for Sanchez and Trinity Rodman’s chemistry in the attacking third to help usher the Spirit’s offensive presence. During the match against Gotham FC, Sanchez ended up on the scoresheet from a clinical free kick that curled around the goalkeeper. The forward also scored in two other road victories for the Spirit versus Kansas City and the Houston Dash. Rodman, in her rookie year, has also found success against Kansas City and Chicago.
Appearing in nine games and starting seven, forward Ashley Hatch adds another lethal element to the Spirit’s attack. Although she had no luck against Gotham, the forward’s brace against the North Carolina Courage helped end their long winning streak and move Washington up on the table. Hatch also had the other goal in the 2-1 victory against Houston. All eyes will be on what opportunities her pace and constant press up top can create.
Defender Sam Staab will be available off the bench for the Spirit in light of the NWSL’s decision to overturn the red card issued in the match against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
