NWSL Washington Spirit

Spirit Defeat Courage 2-1 to Catapult into Third Place

Published on October 13, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Cary, N.C. - The Washington Spirit beat North Carolina Courage in its twenty-second match of the 2021 NWSL regular season this evening, 2-1.

To start the match, both teams came together at midfield in an act of solidarity in light of recent events across the league.

Through the first 15 minutes of the match, neither side managed much in the way of an attack. The first real chance of the game came in the 18' when Debinha found the ball at the top0 of the box and ripped off a shot that went right to Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe.

The Spirit got the scoring started in the 40' on a Trinity Rodman goal. Tara McKeown got the play started by driving in the box before the ball made its way to Ashley Hatch in the box. Her shot was deflected and the attempted clearance fell to Rodman who put away the shot.

North Carolina had the best chance to start the second half when the ball was headed in at the back post. Bledsoe made a big-time save over the bar to keep the lead for the Spirit.

In the 60', Meredith Speck scored to even it up at one goal apiece. The Courage got the ball in the box and after a couple of passes and a deflection, Speck found the ball at the back post and slotted it home past Bledsoe. Just ten minutes later, Dorian Bailey's corner kick found its way out to Julia Roddar who took the chance and scored her first career NWSL goal.

For their next league fixture, the Spirit travel to OL Reign on Saturday, October 16 at 10:00 pm ET which will be broadcast live on Paramount+ (USA) and Twitch (International).

-NWSL Match Report-

Match: Washington Spirit vs. NC Courage

Date: October 13, 2021

Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

Weather: Partly cloudy, low-70s

Scoring Summary:

Goals 1 2 F

Washington 1 1 2

NC Courage 0 1 1

Lineups:

WAS (4-3-3): 1-Aubrey Bledsoe; 3- Sam Staab; 6- Emily Sonnett; 14- Paige Nielsen (16 - Julia Roddar 45'); 5- Kelley O'Hara; 19 - Dorian Bailey; 23- Tori Huster (Taylor Aylmer 73'); 10- Ashley Sanchez; 27- Tara McKeown (Anna Heilferty 45'); 2 - Trinity Rodman (Tegan McGrady 75'); 33 - Ashley Hatch

Stats Summary: WAS / NC

Shots: 7 / 13

Shots on Target: 4 / 7

Saves: 6 / 2

Blocked Shots: 2 / 1

Fouls: 10 / 5

Offside: 3 / 3

Misconduct Summary:

NC - Kaleigh Kurtz 31' - Yellow Card

Check out the Washington Spirit Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from October 13, 2021


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