Spirit and Gotham Play to 0-0 Draw on Emotional Night in Philly

Washington Spirit  |   October 6, 2021
Spirit and Gotham Play to 0-0 Draw on Emotional Night in Philly Featured Image

Chester, PA (10/06/21) – The Washington Spirit tied  NJ/NY Gotham FC in its twentieth match of the 2021 NWSL regular season this evening, 0-0.

In the 7’, both teams came together at midfield in an act of solidarity in light of recent events across the league. 

Both teams struggled to develop any real scoring opportunities, leaving the score 0-0 at the end of the first half. In the 24’, defender Sam Staab made a tackle just past midfield to keep Gotham’s Carli Lloyd, in a special match in front of her hometown crowd prior to her retirement, from breaking towards the Spirit goal. Just before halftime, Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe made a big save on the Gotham attacker to keep it deadlocked. 

Early in the second half, Lloyd had the best chance of the game for either side but her shot went just wide of the net. Less than five minutes later, the Spirit had their best chance of the game when Ashley Sanchez picked up the ball just above the 18 yard box and ripped a shot over the bar. 

As the game began to progress, play began to open up. A little over 10 minutes into the second half, Midge Purce broke free in the box but put it right into the stomach of Bledsoe. Minutes later, she weaved her way through the box but her shot was deflected out for a corner kick. 

Captain Andi Sullivan received a yellow card in the 77’ and on the ensuing free kick, Bledsoe came up with a big stop once again to keep things level. 

While possession was fairly even throughout the match, the Spirit struggled to get much going in the second half. Substitute Tara McKeown had two well timed chances late in the match but was unable to finish. Ultimately, strong defensive play paved the way and helped secure a point on the road. 

For their next league fixture, the Spirit return home to face Racing Louisville on Saturday, October 9 at 7:30 pm ET which will be broadcast live on Paramount+ (USA) and Twitch (International).

-NWSL Match Report-

Match: Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham Fc 

Date: October 6, 2021

Venue: Subaru Park

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Weather: Partly cloudy, low-70s

Scoring Summary:

Goals 1 2 F
Washington 0 0 0
NJ/NY Gotham FC 0 0 0

 

Lineups:

WAS (4-3-3): 1-Aubrey Bledsoe; 3- Sam Staab; 6- Emily Sonnett; 14- Paige Nielsen (16 – Julia Roddar 64’); 5- Kelley O’Hara; 19 – Dorian Bailey; 23- Tori Huster (9 – Tegan McGrady 64’); 10- Ashley Sanchez; 12- Andi Sullivan; 2 – Trinity Rodman (27 – Tara McKeown 82’); 33 – Ashley Hatch (21 – Anna Heilferty 82’)

Stats Summary: WAS / NJNY

Shots: 9 / 14

Shots on Target: 1 / 3

Saves: 3 / 1

Blocked Shots: 0 / 5 

Fouls: 11 / 8

Offside: 1 / 3

Misconduct Summary: 

WAS – Andi Sullivan 77’ – Yellow Card

NJNY – Allie Long 79’ – Yellow Card

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