Recap: Spirit earns three points in 3-1 victory over San Diego Wave FC
Spirit | May 6, 2023
Washington, D.C. (05/06/2023) – The first half consisted largely of the Spirit dominating possession in Wave FC’s side of the pitch, applying attacking pressure. Forward Ashley Sanchezbegan the attack, sending a shot just over the crossbar minutes before Ashley Hatchlogged the first shot on goal of the game in the 17th. Trinity Rodmanwould also get involved in the action, setting up Sanchez for what looked like a would-be goal that sailed just wide of the woodwork.
Meanwhile, San Diego was unable to muster offensive firepower of any kind. In the first 20 minutes, Wave FC did not log a single shot, shot on target or touch inside the box. However, in just 23 minutes, Sanchez totaled four shots and three shots on target, while Rodman – who did not have a shot until the 43th – recorded five touches in San Diego’s box.
Disciplinary action came in a small bunch in the 26th and 27th, respectively, when Gabrielle Carleand Wave FC defender Christen Westphal were issued yellow cards. In the 35th, San Diego recorded its first shot and shot on target. The Spirit ended the half with nine shots, seven shots on target and 15 touches in the opponent’s box to Wave FC’s two shots, one shot on goal and four touches in the opposition’s box.
Wave FC forward and USWNT star Alex Morgan made her impact immediately at the onset of the second half. A display of fancy dribbling inside the box drew goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsburyout from goal, but the Spirit ultimately defended the series well. San Diego remained on attack and Kingsbury made an acrobatic punch in the 54th.
The Spirit was successful all day at flipping the Wave FC attack into a counterattack of its own. Following the punch from Kingsbury, Sanchez drove the ball up field to Rodman who evaded a Wave FC defender and buried the first goal of the game past San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan.
Rodman and Sanchez would connect again in the 70’. This time, their roles would reverse. Rodman dribbled the ball out-wide, crossing the ball in to Sanchez who flicked the ball into the top-left corner of the goal past Sheridan’s outstretched hands.
Rodman’s assist was the tenth of her career, making her the first player in NWSL history to record at least ten goals and ten assists in the regular season before turning 21 years old.
The Spirit turned the dial up further, adding to the lead in the 79th when first-year midfielderPaige Metayerheaded in a corner delivered by defender Sam Staab. This was Metayer’s first career NWSL goal.
Just before the commencement of stoppage time, the Spirit surrendered the first goal at Audi Field this season to Alex Morgan. The goal erased what would have been Kingsbury’s third clean sheet in six games.
For the first time in club history, the Spirit is unbeaten through its first six regular season matches. In extending the all-time series lead to 2-1-0 versus San Diego, the Spirit are unbeaten in 15 of 18 matches played at Audi Field.
Next up, the Spirit hosts the Orlando Pride for both teams’ second Challenge Cup game at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Audi Field.
