Washington Spirit face San Diego Wave FC this afternoon at Buzzard Point in this weekend’s marquee match on CBS. Both teams have 9 points in the NWSL standings and will be fighting to maintain a top spot, as well to show their skills to a wider audience.
The Spirit remain undefeated but haven’t won a game or scored a goal in open play since April 15. Though they’ve proven their ability to put on a strong defensive performance in the 4-4-2 formation – holding opponents to just 4 goals – the Spirit have struggled to consistently create and finish scoring opportunities. Head coach Mark Parsons said the team had made two big steps forward with their most recent games, and the stats show the team has improved in passing, shots, and possession, but they will face a difficult challenge in San Diego.
The Wave are a well-organized, tactically proficient team coming off a surprising home loss to Orlando Pride, which could give them an edge mentally against Washington. The team boasts a number of talented stars, including forward Alex Morgan, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, and defender Naomi Girma, and can be difficult to move out of their structure. Parsons said that, because of the strong sense of identity the Wave have, his side has focused on preparing to face them as a team, rather than on tactics targeting any individual players.
Key Player: Paige Metayer
One of the biggest surprises of the Spirit’s season so far, rookie midfielder Paige Metayer will be essential to the team’s ability to control the midfield and recover possession. As one of the wings of Washington’s midfield diamond, Metayer brings physicality and good ball winning skills, and strong positional sense to her role. She has grown over the course of the season, improving her passing accuracy and recording her first shots in last week’s game against Chicago Red Stars.
Watch Out For: Jaedyn Shaw
After briefly training with the Spirit in 2022, 18-year-old Jaedyn Shaw is now a consistent starter for the Wave and tied for second place (and with teammate Alex Morgan) in the golden boot race with three goals so far. Shaw is a quick-thinking and -moving attacker, skilled at slipping past defenders to get into scoring position and making accurate strikes.
Challenges: The Spirit need to start scoring more goals to win games, but the offensive improvement they’ve showed over the last few games could stall out against an organized and motivated San Diego side that is unlikely to make many mistakes Washington can capitalize on.
Previously: These teams last met at Audi Field last September in a high-scoring match that the Spirit won 4-3 with a penalty kick 10 minutes into stoppage time. Their only other head-to-head was a 2-1 victory for San Diego at home.
San Diego Wave Availability:
Out: Abby Dahlkemper (SEI – back); Meggie Dougherty Howard (thigh); Giovanna DeMarco (knee); Taylor Kornieck (abdomen); Emily van Egmond (back); Kelsey Turnbow (back)
Questionable: None
Washington Spirit Availability:
Out: Bayley Feist (lower leg); Anna Heilferty (knee – SEI); Tori Huster (lower leg – SEI)
Questionable: Dorian Bailey (thigh)
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 1 p.m. ET
Referee: Matt Thompson
Available TV: CBS
Once again, Annie, props to you for referring to the site of the match by its Soccer Gods-given name of Buzzard Point. All that remains is to cite Audi Field at Buzzard Point in the summary.
Who can even recall what LAFC’s former Banc of California is now called? Point made.
Just giving the people what they want
Fascinating game for American young talent! I’ve never heard of Jaedyn Shaw before, but goodness, 6 goals in 9 appearances?! Obviously some you g talent for The Spirit, should be fun!
The backstory on Jaedyn Shaw: she was originally training with the Spirit in 2022, but when they indicated she wanted to sign, the league put her through the discovery process and she fell to (then #1 or 2 ranked) San Diego.
Poop.
Man, Sanchez doing nothing to dispel questions about end product with that finish.
I’m sure Parsons considers her a late sub, but I’m already ready to see Ricketts slice and dice, still not enough connection up front.
Commentators talking a lot now about the field slowing play, and that’s kind of embarrassing for United as an organization. Two of Rodman’s shots near the end of the half did slow considerably on the turf.
From 125, the new turf looks pretty uneven – a lot of visible raised edges. Was speculating beforehand whether it would be an issue. I haven’t seen anyone catch an edge, but it does seem to be affecting ball movement some, generally.
Audi just posted video of it being re-sod yesterday. I hope that wasn’t the same day they did the work!
0-0 at half. Spirit have dominated but most shots have been right at Wave keeper.
Feels like the same problems as last week. Good defense, lots of shots, can’t finish
Passing and communication are better every week, but either the final shot or the final pass in the final third isn’t quite there (which I finish typing after Trin scores…)
Trin is the kind of player whose only real weakness going forward is there aren’t two of her.
Deadlock broken on a pretty simple counterattack, Sullivan to Sanchez to a racing Rodman. Well done, Spirit!
Third time’s the charm, Sanchez buries that service from Rodman with an excellent left footed shot!
2-0 Spirit
Finally! Unfortunately, this will keep her making these shots
Spirit dodge a bullet by a nose (a trailing foot) as that ping pong goal for the Wave gets disallowed. Wishew.
12,000+. Spirit best crowd. And Metayer adds a third!
Love it when my Key Player of the week does well! Metayer with her first goal!!
Your blessing was not ignored!
Trying to make this A Thing
3-0, Metayer! I have to say, for a header from a corner kick, that’s really smart positioning and use of a defender against a goalie.
Man, Rodman is incredibly graceful. Yes, athleticism, yes, skill, but there’s no accounting for the ridiculous grace of this player
Chloe Ricketts is and will be a lot of fun to watch.
3-1 final Spirit. Rodman reminds me of Benteke. Opponents cannot handle either of them. Rodman like Benteke is just able to muscle her way past 2-3 defenders. Plus she’s a lot faster than Benteke.