Washington, D.C. (05/28/2023) – The Spirit drew, 1-1, with NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field, earning one point. The point equalizes the Spirit with three other teams – Portland, OL Reign, and San Diego – that have 16 points on the season. Gotham FC leads the NWSL with 17 points.
With a start in today’s match, midfielder Ashley Sanchezmade her 50th career regular season appearance – all with the Spirit. She is the 18th Spirit player to reach 50 appearances. The first Spirit player to reach 50appearances with the Spirit was Tori Huster, who has been sidelined this season with an injury. Additionally, Washington’s 18 players to reach 50 appearances is tied with Chicago for the most in NWSL history.
The first shot of the game came from defender Tara McKeownoff a cross from Ashley Hatchthat went just over the top of the frame and past the outstretched hand of Gotham keeper Abby Smith.
In the 20th minute, momentum shifted with Gotham controlling the pace of the game. Following a near-goal inside the box, Gotham scored the first goal of the game off the foot of Bruninha in the 23rd. The forward took a step, clearing space before launching a ball into the upper 90. It was Bruninha’s second goal of the season, and her second goal on the same number of shot attempts.
Eleven of Gotham’s 12 goals this season have come on the road. The team has scored more road goals this season than they did in 2015 (10), 2019 (9) and 2022 (8). Gotham has also scored first in three straight games in which they have scored.
By the end of the first half, both teams managed only one shot on target; however, Gotham controlled the pace of the game with over 65% possession.
Trinity Rodmancame out of the gates hot in the second half, nearly scoring on a breakaway but was stopped by Abby Smith. Gotham answered this scoring chance with a would-be goal, but it was overturned moments later after the first video assistant referee (VAR) review of the season in a Spirit match.
Rodman would continue to push the pace, making a run in the 68th that would set up a corner. Hatch took the corner, sending in a ball that was headed by first-year midfielderPaige Metayerfor a goal. The equalizing goal was Metayer’s second goal of the season – both being headers from corner kicks. She has the most goals off of corners in the NWSL this season and became the first Spirit player to score twice in their first nine games since Rodman did so to start her career in 2021. The assist was Hatch’s fourth assist with the Spirit (fifth all-time), tying her for the tenth-most Spirit assists in team history.
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 28, 2023
The Spirit continued to apply offensive pressure as time waned. Staab placed a deep ball in to Lena Silanowho headed the ball just over the post. Rodman got in another attempt minutes later that was stopped once again by Smith.
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 28, 2023
After jockeying for the final goal in six minutes of stoppage time, neither team could score, ending the game in a 1-1 draw. Gotham finished with 13 shots and only two shots on goal.
The Spirit now has a 14-11-9 all-time record versus NJ/NY Gotham FC. The 34 matches are the most the Spirit has played against a single opponent in franchise history – tying the Portland v. OL Reign matchup for the most in NWSL history. Finally, the draw continues the Spirit’s unbeaten streak at Audi Field this season.
Next up, the Spirit embark on its second of four consecutive games played at Audi Field. Saturday, June 3, the Spirit plays Racing Louisville FC at 8 p.m. EDT in the team’s annual Pride Night match. Find tickets here.
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