Washington Spirit are back on a winning streak, earning their third in a row against Seattle Reign FC at Audi Field last night and climbing to second place in the league. Connected and in possession for much of the match, the Spirit nevertheless conceded a goal in the dying minutes of each half, finishing off the night ahead 3-2.

After a few early chances from Seattle, Washington settled into the game, looking like a well-oiled machine in their passing game. Right back Gabby Carle was especially effective in this match, finding plenty of time and space to play the ball around the Reign’s dense midfield and up to Trinity Rodman.

In the 21st minute, Andi Sullivan recovered a goal kick and put the ball back into play for her team. Near the top of the box, Sarr flicked it behind her for an on-rushing Croix Bethune. Reign defenders were on her, but Bethune kept on the ball despite an attempt to kick it away and made a low, left-footed shot directly into the goal to put the Spirit ahead.

Washington’s second goal came off of a penalty kick earned by Rodman in the 38th minute, who got into a 1-on-1 with Reign goalkeeper Laurel Ivory. Ivory came out to block Rodman’s first shot, then grabbed at her ankles to prevent follow-through, earning herself a yellow card and Washington a chance at the penalty spot. Sullivan converted the penalty kick — her second of the season — with confidence.

“It’s always a nice feeling when you hit it just how you want to hit it, so, um, I liked it,” Sullivan said with a laugh after the match, explaining that she went through the routine she practices often at training to stay focused in the high-pressure moment.

As the half wound down, Sarr and Bethune connected again to extend Washington’s lead. Reciving the ball just outside the box, Bethune pushed toward the goal line and made a high cross centrally. Mirroring her run, Sarr was able to get beneath it for a headed goal in the 45th minute.

The Spirit couldn’t hold onto their 3-0 lead for long, though. Attempting to cool things down to go into halftime, they slowed their attack and allowed four Reign shots over five minutes of stoppage time. The final one made it in, as Veronica Latsko scrambled to the near post for a cross and made a diving header into the goal.

The Reign came out strong in the second half, keeping the Spirit pinned back into a low block for several minutes. Washington eventually recovered and had a couple of shots on goal, while holding their opponents to five for the half.

Again, Seattle were able to sneak in a goal as Washington tried to slow down play to see out the half. Trying to keep play close to the edge of the field, they eventually conceded a free kick in a dangerous position. Headed down by a Reign player, the ball fell in the path of 18-year-old Emeri Adames who made a first-touch volley into the goal to close the gap to 3-2.

Coming in the 6th minute of second-half stoppage time, Adames’s goal was too late to allow the Reign time to find an equalizer, and the Spirit had pulled off their third-straight win. There is clearly some room for improvement on defense — as has been the case all season — but their attacking form is strong, capable of scoring even when the other team is successfully setting tempo and keeping Washington from playing through the midfield as they prefer.

Three takeaways 

• Coach González stays positive. As is common with Washington’s interim head coach, Adrián González had overwhelmingly positive things to say about his team: “I’m so proud of the team… Nothing but, to be honest.” In González’s words, the Spirit “deserve[d] more in terms of not conceding goals.” There’s a temptation to view this as puffery for the media, but he apparently brings the same positive attitude to team discussions. Sullivan, always focused on how to improve herself, said, “I’m very grateful for his positive attitude and perspective,” comparing it favorably to coaches who would have immediately chastised the team for conceding goals.
• Playing for the Keeper. Aubrey Kingsbury made multiple big saves to ensure the Spirit’s win last night, including her 450th career save. After the match, González called her one of the best GKs in the league (in his opinion, the best), and Sullivan said the rest of the team is “taking it hard” that they’re not able to keep more clean sheets to reward her efforts.
• Time for a break. This week signals the start of an international window in which seven Spirit players will join their national teams for friendlies (Carle for Canada and Hal Hershfelt, Kingsbury, Casey Krueger, Rodman, Bethune, and Kate Wiesner for the U.S.). González said the rest of the team will take some rest during this time, de-loading training for the week and “focus[ing] on individual player’s needs” before revving back up for an away game in Utah on June 8.

Box Score

NWSL Regular Season –  Game 11

Washington Spirit 3 (Bethune 21′, Sullivan (P) 39′, Sarr 45′)

Seattle Reign FC 2 (Latsko 45+5′, Adames 90+6′)

Lineups

Washington Spirit (4231): Aubrey Kingsbury (C); Casey Krueger, Annaïg Butel, Tara McKeown, Gabby Carle; Croix Bethune (Lena Silano 85′), Andi Sullivan, Hal Hershfelt; Trinity Rodman (Brittany Ratcliffe 73′), Kate Wiesner (Courtney Brown 67′), Ouleye Sarr (Ashley Hatch 73′)

Seattle Reign FC (442): Laurel Ivory; Sofia Huerta, Lu Barnes (C), Alana Cook, Phoebe McClernon (Lily Woodham 85′); Jess Fishlock, Olivia Van der Jagt (Nikki Stanton 46′), Ji So Yun (Olivia Athens 85′), Angharad James-Turner (Jordyn Huitema 60′); Veronica Latsko, Tziarra King (Emeri Adames 71′)

Misconduct Summary

Washington Spirit:  None

Seattle Reign FC:  Ivory 38′, Van der Jagt 43′

Lead image courtesy of the Washington Spirit