The Washington Spirit played rival Gotham FC to a scoreless draw in a Concacaf W Champions Cup group stage match on Wednesday night. With the point, the Spirit moves to 2-0-1 (7 points) and can win Group B with a victory in its final group stage match. Goalkeeper Sandy MacIver recorded her third consecutive clean sheet with a four-save performance.
Three minutes later, forward Gift Monday received a through ball in the box from Wiesner and fired a shot on target that was saved by Gotham goalkeeper Shelby Hogan. Both sides would each have another strong attacking chance before halftime. In the 43rd minute, the Spirit turned a combination play between Tara McKeown, Sofia Cantore, Heather Stainbrook, and Brittany Ratcliffe, with Ratcliffe firing a shot on target that was saved.
In the third minute of first half stoppage time, Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver made a spectacular save to keep the match level. Gotham forward Katie Stengel found herself open with the ball in the box and fired a shot on goal, but MacIver was able to make the stop and prevent a rebound opportunity.
In the 55th minute, Gotham nearly broke the deadlock when Josie Hasbo sent a shot off the post. Sarah Schupansky received the rebound in the center of the box and attempted a backheel shot from close range, but Esme Morgan was able to clear it.
Defender Rebeca Bernal and midfielders Leicy Santos and Croix Bethune entered the match for the Spirit later in the half to help close out the contest for the visitors. Gotham stars Jaedyn Shaw, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, and Midge Purce all subbed on late in the match as well. Despite the changes, the match ended nil-nil and both sides left with a point.
The Spirit will travel back home and prepare for their next regular-season match against the San Diego Wave. The match will begin at 1:00 PM/ET at Audi Field.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Spirit