It was an action-packed Decision Day 2025 as some teams were fighting for playoff placement while others were fighting for qualification. For the Washington Spirit, it was a check off the errand list as they already secured the No. 2 spot. For most of the evening, fans were set on the Spirit facing Gotham FC once again. But in an exciting turn of events, Racing Louisville beat Bay FC to secure their first-ever playoff berth, pitting them against the Queens of the Capitol.
With injuries abound, coach Adrián González took advantage of his roster depth. With just five substitutes, González used a second-string-heavy roster that featured starters Tara McKeown, Rebeca Bernal, and Hal Hershfelt. Kate Wiesner, Paige Metayer, and Narumi Miura helped in defense and the midfield. Heather Stainbrook, Brittany Ratcliffe, and Courtney Brown made starts today to support Italian forward Sofia Cantore.
Paige Monaghan’s goal in the 4th minute set the tone early for the Royals. After being played on past the midline, Monaghan had about a half step on her defender, Kate Wiesner, as she sprinted towards goal. Once she entered the final third, she took a chance from the right side just outside the box and beat Aubrey Kingsbury.
Brittany Ratcliffe in the 34th minute could’ve leveled the match, but took a heavy last touch that went out of bounds. From their own end, Ratcliffe was played on just before the half line and took an all-out sprint toward the goal. With a host of defenders on her tail, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn came off her line to close in on Ratcliffe. After dropping McGlynn to the pitch with a cheeky move, the touch was too heavy and rolled past the post out of bounds.
Long balls were a bit of a problem for the Spirit backline. Spotting the vulnerable area, the Royals continued to poke and prod with balls here and there in attempts to extend their lead. Monaghan came close to her brace in the 55th minute when a long ball was mistimed by Gabby Carle and fell to her feet onside. With a half-step advantage, she got within 20 yards of goal and took a chance on newly substituted keeper Sandy MacIver.
The Spirit had a handful of attempts on goal in the second half, but honestly, the goal was just to survive healthy and make it back home.
For the Royals, the 1-0 victory capped a string of wins to end a rough season while also waving goodbye to veterans Imani Dorsey and Claudia Zornoza as they retire. For the Spirit, they can shake off the loss and finally focus 100% on next weekend.
The 2025 NWSL Playoff schedule will be announced soon.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Spirit