Washington, D.C. (04/20/2024) – The Spirit defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC, 2-0, off of goals from Croix Bethune and Ashley Hatch. In the fourth-highest attended match in Spirit history (15,004), the Spirit earned its fourth straight victory, the club’s longest regular season win streak since winning five straight from October 9, 2021 to May 1, 2022.
The first half saw several shots from both sides, including a number of close calls for the Spirit. Trinity Rodman and Bethune incessantly knocked on Gotham’s door pushing for a goal in the first half, using the sideline to monopolize their quick speed and gain a tactical advantage.
Rodman’s start ties her for 10th place in team history with 63 appearances. This milestone places Rodman among Spirit greats such as Christine Nairn, Diana Matheson and Ali Krieger.
The stalemate broke in the 41st minute when Casey Krueger set up Bethune who launched a banger from outside the box that snuck in the near post past the outstretched arm of Gotham keeper Cassie Miller.
The goal was Bethune’s third in the last four games, and second game-winning goal, putting her in a tie with Racing Louisville FC’s Uchenna Kanu for the most in the NWSL. She also became the third Spirit player, joining Diana Matheson and Mallory Swanson, to score three goals in her first five appearances with the team. Meanwhile, Krueger logged assists in consecutive matches for the first time in her career (all competitions).
Bethune’s goal carried the Spirit into the half with a lead – a good omen for the Spirit. With a win today, the Spirit continued its unbeaten streak when leading at half to 21 regular season matches (dating back to October 2017).
In the 67th minute, Bethune continued her impact on the match when her shot inside the box led to a Gotham handball, earning the Spirit a penalty kick. Hatch took and converted the penalty, her first of the season.
The goal marked Hatch’s 40th with the Spirit, making her the fifth player in NWSL history to score 40 regular season goals for a single club. She joins Jess Fishlock (SEA), Megan Rapinoe (SEA), Christine Sinclair (POR) and Lynn Williams (NC). She also equaled the NWSL record for consecutive made penalties at ten. Her nine regular season penalties have all come with the Spirit.
Throughout the remainder of the game, the Spirit had multiple close attempts to extend its lead further, however, the score settled at 2-0. Today’s shutout marked the 50th regular season shutout in team history. With games left to play this weekend, the Spirit sits at the top of the table with 12 points and a 4-1-0 record. This is the best start (12 points) through five matches in club history since 2016 (13 points).
Next up, the Spirit stays home at Audi Field where the team will take on Orlando Pride at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 26 for a very special Marvel Super Hero™ Night. Tickets can be found here.
-NWSL Match Report-
Match: Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Venue: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Weather: Sunny, high-60s
Scoring Summary:
Goals
1
2
F
Gotham
0
0
0
Washington
1
1
2
WAS – Croix Bethune – 41’ (assisted by Casey Krueger)
