In a gripping NWSL quarterfinal showdown, the Washington Spirit overcame a sluggish start and a rash of injuries to defeat a resurgent Bay FC side and advance to the semifinals. The young squad, featuring four rookies in the starting lineup, drew strength from their indomitable spirit and the raucous support of their home fans at Audi Field.
Spirit’s Injury Woes and Slow Start
The Spirit entered the match missing several key players due to injury. Rookie sensation Croix Bethune, the league leader with 10 assists, was sidelined by a torn meniscus suffered in August. Joint top scorer Ouleymata Sarr has been out since September with a back injury, while veteran midfielder Andi Sullivan tore her ACL in October.
Perhaps feeling the effects of these absences, the Spirit struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Goalkeeper Ashley Kingsbury acknowledged the team’s youthful nerves may have played a role:
We are a young group so maybe it was a little bit of nerves we had to get out of the way in the first half. But once we conceded, you really saw us like, ‘We got to go now. There’s no time to waste, our season is on the line.’
– Ashley Kingsbury, Washington Spirit goalkeeper
Turning Point: Bay FC’s Goal Sparks Spirit Comeback
The match’s pivotal moment came when Asisat Oshoala gave Bay FC a shock lead. Rather than deflating the Spirit, the goal seemed to jolt them to life. Audi Field erupted, urging the home team forward. The increased intensity paid off when Trinity Rodman forced an own goal to level the score and send the match to extra time.
Rodman, a rising star with the U.S. Women’s National Team, emphasized the Spirit’s resilience:
Not just this year, every year I’ve been with the Spirit, it’s kind of like, when we get scored on, it’s coming. It motivates us so much when we are pushing for it, but also we are not stupid about it. I think we are strategic in the way that we are timing it, in the way that we are trying to make it happen.
– Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit forward
12th Player: Spirit Fans Provide Crucial Lift
The Spirit’s comeback was fueled not only by their own determination but also by the incredible energy of their supporters. The sellout crowd of over 19,000, clad in all black, never stopped believing. Defender Esme Morgan described the sensation:
The noise after we levelled was just incredible. My ears were ringing… It’s giving me goosebumps just talking about it.
– Esme Morgan, Washington Spirit defender
Morgan credited the fans with lifting the team after Bay FC’s goal, saying it felt like they were “sucking the ball into the net” for the Spirit. The crowd’s passion played a vital role in the Spirit’s eventual triumph.
Looking Ahead: Spirit Aim to Rekindle 2021 Magic vs. Gotham FC
As they prepare to face defending champions Gotham FC in the semifinals, the Spirit are drawing parallels to their 2021 Championship-winning campaign. That year, they also went to extra time in the quarterfinals before going on to claim the title.
Kingsbury believes the team’s never-say-die attitude, exemplified by Tara McKeown missing her sister’s wedding to compete in the quarterfinal, will be key to their success:
It is very similar. We went to extra time in 2021. That never say die spirit was evident on the day. Tara played a heck of a game and scored. Her sister got married and she was here and committed to the team. You could tell, she was like, ‘I am not missing my sister’s wedding to go out in the quarterfinals!’
– Ashley Kingsbury
Defender Gabrielle Carle echoed the importance of the Spirit’s fighting mentality:
It’s one thing to have a great team. It’s another to have a team that is strong mentally and I think that is what we have shown. It’s very important in the playoffs to have that kind of mentality and hopefully, that will take us through.
– Gabrielle Carle, Washington Spirit defender
As the Spirit look to vanquish Gotham FC and return to the NWSL Championship game, they will rely on their signature grit and the unrivaled support of their 12th player: the Audi Field faithful. Kingsbury issued a warning to the defending champs:
This team will fight, regardless of what happens and we can do anything with this kind of crowd behind us!
– Ashley Kingsbury
The stage is set for an epic semifinal clash as the Washington Spirit, tested by adversity and buoyed by their fans, aim to rekindle the magic of their unforgettable 2021 title run.
