15,169 fans were on hand to watch the Washington Spirit defeat the Denver Summit 1-0 at Audi Field. Tonight’s win puts the Spirit in first place and two points ahead of Gotham FC. Trinity Rodman ended the match as the first player in NWSL history with 10 game winning assists after assisting Sofia Cantore’s goal.
Head coach Adrián González set his players out in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sofia Cantore as the center forward and Hal Hershfelt as the center attacking midfielder. This formation allowed five natural defenders on the pitch: Gabby Carle, Kate Weisner, Tara McKeown, Esme Morgan, and Rebeca Bernal as a central defensive midfielder.
“I had fun going high in the press. If I have to charge the keeper I will I don’t care,” said Hal Hershfelt on playing in a higher position tonight. “I play 6 and anywhere backline. But I like being pushed out of my comfort zone. I felt good today and it was fun for me.”
The Spirit were effective on counterattacks and played well, pushing up on the wings. The Summit had a tough time in attack, but found the best way to create chances was through long balls, an area where defender Eva Gaetino excelled.
The Spirit dominated the first 10 minutes of the first half. They were faster, had cleaner passes, and threatened in the attacking third multiple times. The issue, which had been recurring over the past few months, was finishing.
Denver Summit had its first shot on goal in the 11th minute. Yazmeen Ryan recovered an errant ball, dribbled about 10 yards down the right side into the 18-yard box, and fired a rocket to the far post, clipping the crossbar on its way out of bounds. Two minutes later, Olivia Thomas was a step too late on a low cross in front of goal that would’ve put her side up in the first half.
The Spirit finally hit paydirt in the 60th minute with a goal from Sofia Cantore. A Leicy Santos substitution ignited the Spirit attack and inserted a much-needed burst of energy for the home side. After recovering possession in their defensive third, Santos dribbled around the 18 and sent a long through ball to Trinity Rodman. The United States Women’s National Team star sprinted down the left wing looking for an opening. She’d look up twice and notice a streaking Cantore who had a step on her defender. Rodman sent a beautiful lead ball to the top of the box, where it found the foot of Cantore. She slowed her pace, changed her position, and sent a curling shot to the far post, beating a diving Abby Smith.
Yazmeen Ryan helped keep her side in the match, repeatedly taking on defenders in the 18 and sending in countless crosses, but as many times as the ball bounced by an open net or off the crossbar, the Summit couldn’t find the equalizer.
When the two sides first met back in March in Denver, the clash ended in a scoreless draw. Tonight, the Spirit had their mettle tested in a physical contest that should’ve had more goals. Surely González will talk to his squad once again about finishing chances as the path to the playoffs starts to take shape. But for now, they’ll enjoy the wins while they’re coming.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Eyoel Fassil