Washington, D.C. (10/13/2024) – The Washington Spirit earned a crucial trio of points following a 4-1 domination of Racing Louisville FC on Sunday evening.
Back in front of an Audi Field crowd of 13,781, the Spirit had to answer questions at midfield following a season-ending injury to Andi Sullivan. Hal Hershfelt dropped into the six position, while fellow rookies Heather Stainbrook and Courtney Brown filled out the rest of the midfield. Notably, a start from Ashley Hatch marked her 150th career regular season appearance, becoming the 35th player in NWSL history to accomplish this feat.
The Spirit attack ignited early, capitalizing on numerous mistakes out of the Racing Louisville backline. Less than 20 minutes into the match, the Spirit peppered Louisville with ten shots, including a laser from Tara McKeown off a set piece that nearly shot past Louisville keeper Katie Lund.
Racing Louisville adapted confidently over the next several minutes, owning possession in its final third and putting pressure on the Spirit backline. The Louisville high press made it difficult for the Spirit to advance out of its half.
Though, minutes later, another mistake from Lund proved costly. Makenna Morris, in her first home start this season, collected an errant pass and banged it home to break the draw. Entering the match, when scoring first at Audi Field this season, the Spirit is a perfect 6-0-0.
Morris doubled the lead in the 43rd minute when a streaking Rosemonde Kouassi found her in the box unmarked, resulting in a tap-in goal. The goal was the Spirit’s 28th first half goal this season, the most of any team in the NWSL. Morris’ brace is the fourth by a Spirit player this season, joining Hatch (September 15 v. Houston), Trinity Rodman (May 18 v. Los Angeles) and Brittany Ratcliffe (May 1 at Chicago).
Momentum for the Spirit increased further in the 56th minute when Hatch netted a penalty kick drawn by Kouassi. Hatch is 11-for-11 on penalties in her career, now tied for third all-time in NWSL history and is in sole possession of the most in Spirit history, passing Diana Matheson. Furthermore, the goal lifts Hatch past legend Megan Rapinoe for sixth-most career regular season goals in NWSL history with 52. Hatch has seven goals against Racing Louisville (this is the ninth matchup between Washington and Louisville), the most of any player against the team. Hatch has now scored seven or more goals against three different teams (Houston, Orlando and Louisville).
A roar erupted from the Audi Field crowd when Trinity Rodman, who has been unavailable the last few games, subbed on the field in the 67th minute.
The three-goal lead was cut to two in the 76th minute when the center referee overruled an offside decision resulting in a Louisville goal from Emma Sears.
The fourth and final goal came from Lena Silano, her second of the regular season. Silano charged toward the Louisville goal, cut to her right foot and sent a shot toward the top left corner of the goal past Lund.
Picking up multiple saves in the match, Aubrey Kingsbury became only the second goalkeeper in NWSL history to log 450 saves with a single club.
Finally, the Spirit improved to an undefeated 13-0-1 this regular season when scoring first and has now scored multiple goals in 10 of its 12 home matches this season.
Up next, the Spirit plays its final regular season home match against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, October 20. Kicking off at 5 p.m. EDT, Fan Appreciation Night will recognize everyone who has supported the Spirit this season. Tickets are available here.
-NWSL Match Report-
Match: Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville FC
Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Venue: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. EDT
Weather: Sunny, high-70s
Scoring Summary:
Goals
1
2
F
Washington
2
2
4
Louisville
0
1
1
WAS – Makenna Morris – 36’
WAS – Makenna Morris – 43’ (assisted by Rosemonde Kouassi)
