Washington, D.C. (03/23/2024) – The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC, 2-1, in the team’s 2024 home opener in front of 11,734 attendees – this number marks a club record for a home opener match. The victory came in the first-ever meeting between the Washington Spirit and Bay FC, and remarkably, both Spirit goals came off the foot of a first-year player – Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt.
The game began with a consistent battle for possession, until the 11th minute when Bay FC secured the lead off a Dorian Bailey goal. Bailey, a longtime Spirit player, was traded to Bay FC for expansion draft protection this offseason. She ranks sixth all-time in Spirit history with 73 appearances for the club.
In the 22nd minute the Spirit responded: Hershfelt launched the ball into the top left of the goal off an assist from Trinity Rodman. Rodman, in the 75th appearance of her career (all competitions), tied the club assist record (11) with legends Diana Matheson and Crystal Dunn. Hershfelt’s goal made her the fifth player in Spirit history to score in their home debut, joining Diana Matheson, Sam Staab, Ashley Hatch, and Ashley Sanchez.
Following the game-tying goal the pace of the game moved quickly, but the score stayed stagnant. Casey Krueger went down after a collision at the top of the box with a teammate, resulting in a substitution by AnnaHeilferty – her first appearance since October 1, 2022. Bay FC’s Scarlett Camberos collected a yellow card in the 48th minute after a battle with Rodman. Ten minutes later, Rodman picked up her own yellow card in the 59th minute of the game.
The Spirit defense suffocated the opposing attack throughout the match causing Bay FC to go without a shot for nearly 40 minutes (49:15 – 86:10). Throughout the offensive drought for Bay FC, the Spirit unleashed a frenzy of attacks resulting in many close calls, including the crossbar denying a rocket from Bethune in the 89th minute of the game. Finally, in the 94th minute, a scramble in front of the goal resulted in a shot from Bethune’s right foot, finding the back of the net. The goal secured the Spirit win, the team’s sixth consecutive home opener win. The goal also helped Bethune join teammate Hal Hershfelt in the short list of Spirit players who have scored in their home debut.
Orlando Pride
