Washington Drops Angel City Late
5/13/23
J.J. Pavlick
The Washington Spirit entered the match within striking distance of OL Reign for first place. The Spirit has been excelling this year under the leadership of Mark Parsons, who keeps the team level. He lets them enjoy their success but also reminds them not to buy into the hype surrounding the team right now. He wants this team to realize its full potential and not settle for early glory in a league that is highly competitive in the top 5, even the so-called easy games or pushover games can be dangerous if you lose focus. The Washington Spirit has the deadliest trio in the game upfront right now. Trinity Rodman, Ashley Sanchez, and Golden Boot candidate Ashley Hatch. You ask Mark about it, and he would tell you, it's nice to have but we still have work to do and goals to reach. Some notable matchups we will watch for:
Former Spirit players meet again:
Angel City defender Paige Nielsen was with the Spirit from 2019-21, playing a crucial role on the backline during the Spirit’s 2021 NWSL Championship.
Angel City goalkeeper DiDi Haračić played with the Spirit reserves in 2013 and 2016, and with the Spirit from 2016-18.
Angel City forward Jasmyne Spencer played with the Spirit in 2013, making 17 appearances.
Former college teammates meet again:
Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer played with Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson at California (2019-21).
Spirit defender Maddie Elwell played with Angel City forward Simone Charley at Vanderbilt (2017).
Spirit midfielder Bayley Feist played with Angel City defender Madison Hammond at Wake Forest (2016 – 18).
Spirit defender Dorian Bailey played with Angel City defender Paige Nielsen at UNC (2015).
The match started with a fast and rigorous pace for Angel City, they got the game's first shot on goal in just 40 seconds of action when Alyssa Thompson found her way to the goal. The first five minutes were rough for the Spirit who pride themselves on keeping other teams off balance and struggling to find holes in their defensive structure. The Spirit started to settle into the match around the eight-minute mark when Hatch and Rodman started giving the midfield fits. The two sides started going back and forth at each other throughout the remainder of the half, the keepers stood tall with all the star firepower on the pitch. Paige Nielsen would earn a yellow card for a tactical foul in the 38' and it gave the Spirit another big chance at goal. The half would end with neither side finding the back of the net, it definitely wasn't for the lack of trying on either team's part. McKeown had the greatest chance of the half when she shanked a shot toward the 1st post from point-blank distance to the goal.
The second half was a parade of yellow cards for Angel City, the Washington Spirit was pressing hard and making life difficult for the California side. Both teams played a highly aggressive match, and it took a late foul in the box to see a winner emerge from the match.
Mary Alice Vignola for some reason decided to fully extend her arm wide and high when Marissa Sheva unleashed a rocket at the goal from just outside the box. The move would be costly for Angel City as Ashley Hatch would step up to take the penalty kick and take the Golden Boot lead. Washington would close the game out after the 90'+4' conversion by Hatchy, Washington moved into sole possession of first place pending the outcome of the rest of the weekend matches. (Photo Credit: Washington Spirit)
