NWSL Washington Spirit

Spirit Finish Season with Victory vs. Houston

Published on October 31, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Washington, D.C. - The Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash in its twenty-fourth and final match of the 2021 NWSL regular season this afternoon, 1-0.

The Spirit nearly opened the scoring in the 5' when Ashley Sanchez played a looped-in ball from just outside of the 18-yard box to the head of Ashley Hatch. Hatch was able to get off a well-placed header but Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell stretched out to make the save.

In the 25', the Spirit forced another big-time save from Campbell, this time via Tegan McGrady. McGrady was able to break down the left flank and before reaching the end line, whipped in a cross that forced Campbell to punch the ball away at the front post.

Throughout the first half, the Dash managed to have numerous chances in the buildup that resulted in four corners. But while they have been successful throughout the season on set-piece opportunities, they were unable to connect in the first half of play.

To start the second half, Trinity Rodman had a number of quality chances. Her first came in the 54' when Kelley O'Hara played the ball in from the right flank and played the ball into her in the box. Her next opportunity came just moments later but both shots missed the frame.

The Spirit finally broke the deadlock in the 76' when Sam Staab played a well-weighted ball into an on-running Rodman who broke free and was off to the races. Rodman eventually tucked the ball past Campbell to open the scoring.

The Spirit will return home next Sunday to take on the North Carolina Courage in the first round of the NWSL Playoffs. The match will be played at 5:30 p.m. ET and streamed on Paramount+.

-NWSL Match Report-

Match: Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash

Date: October 31, 2021

Venue: Audi Field

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET

Weather: Cloudy, 60

Scoring Summary:

Goals 1 2 F

Washington 0 1 1

Houston 0 0 0

Lineups:

WAS (4-3-3): 1-Aubrey Bledsoe; 3- Sam Staab; 6- Emily Sonnett; 9- Tegan McGrady (16- Julia Roddar 69'); 5- Kelley O'Hara; 19 - Dorian Bailey; 12- Andi Sullivan; 10- Ashley Sanchez (26- Taylor Aylmer 85'); 27- Tara McKeown (21- Anna Heilferty 69'); 2 - Trinity Rodman; 33 - Ashley Hatch

Stats Summary: WAS / HOU

Shots: 15 / 10

Shots on Target: 5 / 5

Saves: 5 / 4

Blocked Shots: 2 / 2

Fouls: 6 / 13

Offside: 4 / 5

Misconduct Summary:

HOU - Katie Naughton 63' - Yellow Card

HOU - Shea Groom 72' - Yellow Card

Check out the Washington Spirit Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from October 31, 2021


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