Recap: Late, controversial penalty helps Washington Spirit win 1-0

The Spirit continue their undefeated streak in the regular season.

The Takeaway:

• Undefeated At the Top of the Table- Coming into this game the Spirit seemed to be looking to build on the momentum they’ve created for themselves so far this season. After two electric games, one regular season win against San Diego, the other a UGK Challenge Cup win against Orlando, the Spirit were looking to solidify their place at the top of the NWSL table. It’s still early in the season, but the undefeated Spirit have proven this year is different for them as they sit at the top of the league table.

Box Score: 1-0

Regular Season – Game #7

First Half – 

The opening half started off with the Spirit and Angel City going back and forth with possession as both teams attempted to adjust their play to one another. Early in the half, Angel City’s Endo, would head the ball near the Spirit box but it’d be cleared away. Not long after that attempt, Angel City’s Thompson would take the ball straight to Washington’s goal, but McKeown would be there with an excellent defensive play preventing a shot on goal. 

Back on the other side of the pitch, Brooks would feed the ball in, with Rodman taking a shot on goal, blocked by Haračić. Then Jaurena would be there for the rebound, ball deflected again, with Hatch getting the rebound from that play and taking a shot on goal, ending the play with the ball being caught before being cleared away. That would be the most offensive chances the Spirit would see in the first half, before the whistle blows ending the half 0-0.

Second Half –

The start of the second half begins with Hatch getting a shot near the goal early, and soon after Sanchez getting a shot near the goal as well. With throw ins, tackles and turnovers, the game and offensive control seems fairly evenly matched until a play late in the second half. Angel City’s defender Vignola, has the ball go off of her, resulting in a Spirit penalty, with the entire vibe of the match shifting with that single play. Hatch lines up near the ball to take the penalty for the Spirit, and after the referee blows the whistle Hatch sends the ball to the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the entire matc, and ultimately helping lift the Spirit to the top of the NWSL league table with this win.

Washington Spirit Goals – Hatch 90+4’

Angel City FC Goals – 

Lineups:

Washington (442)

(C)Kingsbury; Brooks, McKeown, Staab, Carle; Jaurena (Sheva 74’), Sullivan, Sanchez, Metayer (Bailey 89’); Rodman, Hatch (Silano 90+6’)

Angel City FC (433)

Haračić; Gorden, Hammond (Riley 78’), Nielsen, Vignola; Ertz, McCaskill, Weatherholt; Emslie (PLuck 89’), Endo (JOhnson 78’), Thompson (Camberos 66’)

Misconduct Summary:

Washington Spirit- 

Angel City FC- Nielsen 38’, McCaskill 62’, Hammond 75’ Vignola 90+1’, Haračić 90+4’