In a pulsating National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) semifinal clash, Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury emerged as the hero, saving the first three penalties in a shootout to defeat defending champion Gotham FC. The Spirit, who finished the regular season with an impressive 18-6-2 record, will now face the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between the Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current in next Saturday’s championship match.
Gotham FC Starts Strong, Spirit Fight Back
Gotham FC, who ended the season with a 17-4-5 record, began the match with great intensity, forcing several turnovers early on with their high pressing tactics. Spanish forward Esther González nearly opened the scoring in the first minute, hitting the crossbar with a powerful effort. Moments later, Ella Stevens saw her header come off the left post as Gotham continued to threaten.
However, the Spirit gradually found their rhythm, passing around Gotham’s pressure and creating several scoring opportunities of their own. Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was called into action on multiple occasions, making a series of crucial saves to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
González Gives Gotham the Lead
The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute when Esther González, who scored nine goals during the regular season, headed home Yazmeen Ryan’s cross to give Gotham FC a 1-0 lead. The goal was a testament to González’s aerial prowess and Ryan’s pinpoint delivery from the flank.
“I just wanted to do what I could to help the team win,” Kingsbury said after the match. “We’ve been practicing for these, and just to grind out those 120 minutes, I knew they would come through and make them – and I just did my part.”
– Aubrey Kingsbury, Washington Spirit goalkeeper
Hershfelt’s Late Equalizer Forces Extra Time
With time running out and a sellout crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field urging them on, the Spirit pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Their perseverance paid off in the 93rd minute when centerback Tara McKeown was fouled just outside the penalty area. Hal Hershfelt rose highest to head home Makenna Morris’ free-kick delivery, sending the match into extra time.
Gotham FC was reduced to ten players in the 101st minute when substitute Bruninha received her second yellow card for a foul on Trinity Rodman. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Gotham’s resolute defense, which conceded a league-low 20 goals during the regular season, held firm to force a penalty shootout.
Kingsbury’s Penalty Heroics Seal Victory
In the shootout, Aubrey Kingsbury took center stage, diving to her right to save Gotham’s first three penalties. At the other end, Ashley Hatch, Lena Silano, and Tara McKeown converted their spot-kicks to secure a 3-0 shootout victory for the Spirit.
The Spirit’s triumph sets up a tantalizing championship match against either the Orlando Pride or Kansas City Current. With Kingsbury in inspired form and a talented roster featuring the likes of Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch, the Spirit will fancy their chances of lifting their first NWSL title.
As the dust settles on a memorable semifinal, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the NWSL season. Will the Washington Spirit’s penalty hero Aubrey Kingsbury continue her fine form and lead her team to glory, or will their opponents have the final say? All will be revealed in next Saturday’s championship showdown.
