Washington Spirit lose 2-0 to Orlando Pride as injuries continue to mount
A win was probably too much for Washington Spirit to ask for, playing the number one Orlando Pride with six starters and ten total players unavailable. The 2-0 loss that resulted was unfortunate, but the worst part of the night was an injury to Andi Sullivan late in the match that required her to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
After the match, head coach Jonatan Giraldez said he could not provide details about Sullivan’s injury but was not optimistic. “I have not heard the result yet, but it doesn’t feel good… The first impression is not good.”
Washington introduced a slightly strange Starting XI, with several players out of their traditional positions, including Ashley Hatch at central attacking midfield and Paige Metayer on the forward wing. To counter the Pride and account for their own missing players, the Spirit were playing more defensively and physically than usual and got a high number of foul calls as a result. To some extent, they succeeded at dampening the most dangerous attacks Orlando threw their way. Both goals were the result of some poor defending and bad luck.
Offensively, chances were few and far between for Washington. Their best chances came in transition, including a run by Courtney Brown late in the first half that resulted in a shot that went just wide. Earlier, Metayer made an interception and quickly passed the ball up to Rosemunde Kouassi. Kouassi’s shot from outside the box was powerful and appeared to be on target but was hit over the crossbar by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
After going into the half tied at zero, the Pride finally scored in the 57th minute. After another long pass to Banda, Annaïg Butel slowed her run, apparently believing the play was offside. With Banda closing in on the goal, Tara McKeown brought her down in the box. Marta’s penalty kick was strong enough to make it in the goal, even though Aubrey Kingsbury correctly judged her aim and got a hand on the ball.
The next goal was caused by a turnover near Washington’s goal area in the 72nd minute. McKeown attempted to block Adriana’s shot, but her deflection just changed the angle of the shot, taking Kingsbury off guard and causing an own goal.
The Spirit had a few good chances after the goal, including a pair of shots immediately following it that were blocked by Pride defenders in the nick of time. Play was also muted after Andi Sullivan’s injury around the 88th minute. Bracing on a wet pitch to spar with Orlando’s Summer Yates, Sullivan went down, and trainers were immediately called. After several minutes, she was removed from the field by stretcher.
Washington will play at home the next two weeks, where they can hopefully be rejoined by some players recovering from injury.
Two takeaways
- Best wishes for Andi. A long-term injury to Andi Sullivan would leave the Spirit even more short-handed heading into the final games of the season, but worse, it would deprive the team of one of their most important players. Sullivan has been indispensable to Washington this year, relied upon to control the midfield and direct play. Even with Hal Hershfelt back from suspension next week, they will struggle to find the same levels of success they’ve had if they don’t have Sullivan on the pitch.
- NWSL shield winners Orlando Pride. This win means the still-unbeaten Pride have officially won the 2024 NWSL Shield. Already seven points ahead of Washington before this match, they are now too far ahead for any team to overcome their total. The trophy was awarded in a ceremony after the game. For their part, the Spirit remain in second place for now.
Box Score
NWSL Regular Season – Game 23
Orlando Pride 2 (Marta 57′ (P), McKeown 73′ (OG))
Washington Spirit 0
Lineups
Orlando Pride (4231): Anna Moorhouse; Cori Dyke, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, Carson Pickett (Julie Doyle 70′); Morgan Gautrat (Summer Yates 63′), Angelina, Kerry Abello; Marta (C), Adriana, Barbra Banda
Washington Spirit (433): Aubrey Kingsbury (C); Annaïg Butel (Lena Silano 58′), Tara McKeown, Gabby Carle, Esme Morgan; Andi Sullivan (Jenna Butler 90+2′), Heather Stainbrook (Kate Wiesner 72′), Ashley Hatch (Brittany Ratcliffe 72′); Courtney Brown (Morris 46′), Rosemunde Kouassi, Paige Metayer
Misconduct Summary
Orlando Pride: None
Washington Spirit: Butel 3′, Stainbrook 39′, McKeown 54′, Giráldez 87′
First, I hope that Andi Sullivan’s injury is not too serious and that she makes a speedy recovery.
Second, I thought that the Spirit played well in light of the fact that we were missing six/seven starters, including scorers of 25 of 44 goals this season and two key defenders (Krueger and Hershfelt).
Despite all that, 9 of Spirit’s 11 shots were on target compared to only 6 of Orlando’s 17. But our deflected shots didn’t go in; their one did — an undeserved own goal off Tara McKeown.
I credit my least favorite Spirit Annaig Butel for much of the loss she was beaten by Barbra Banda in the third minute and given a yellow card for a jersey tug. That left her near-useless in defending against Banda, Adriana and Marta, then she hung McKeown out to dry vs Banda resulting in the penalty kick.
A nearer full strength Spirit squad can beat Orlando in the playoffs. The Pride is not a superteam.
Sullivan’s injury would make the marginal playoff fight to come difficult if no one else was injured. It’s pretty bad with everyone else.
On the plus side, Kouassi is a really good addition, and I can’t wait for her and Trin and Sarr to run at opponents. When’s that gonna be? Who knows
I can’t say I’m shocked. Orlando is playing well. And the Spirit at this point have little to no cohesion because they are missing so many bodies, especially key ones. I thought Butel’s lack of commitment on the first goal was critical and decisive in this match.
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