The Washington Spirit earned a crucial three points in a big win over league-leading Gotham FC. The 1-0 win at home guaranteed them a playoff spot for the third straight year. Italian defender Lucia Di Guglielmo scored the match-winner in the 70th minute; it was her first goal since joining the squad. Fans in attendance were treated to a Tara Rudd collectible and the return of Colombian midfielder Leicy Santos.
One of the things that has helped this team stay consistent through the season is their level of comfort with and around each other. This has allowed new players to come in consistently and feel comfortable expressing themselves on and off the pitch. “There are people who you meet in your life that are cool and make everyone around you feel cool,” said Spirit veteran Andi Sullivan. “That helps a lot when it comes to self-expression. I feel like we have numerous examples of that (like Esme Morgan), and as someone nerdy, I’m grateful.”
In the third minute, the Spirit had a great opportunity as Trinity Rodman played a ball into Clara Luvanga, but the Tanzanian forward sent her shot wide.
In the 43rd minute, Sofia Cantore headed down the left side and lofted a ball for Rodman into the box. Rodman got a head on it and directed it toward the back post, forcing Ann-Katrin Berger to make a diving save.
Coming out of halftime, Leicy Santos was subbed off for Mélissa Bethi, who would provide the service for the Spirit’s match-winning goal. In the 70th minute, the midfielder sent a ball into the box for Di Guglielmo, who positioned herself before poking the ball in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
“I really felt this game, because of the team,” Di Guglielmo began after the match. “I’m really happy after today. It’s a dream, it’s perfect. But I also think that when you work consistently, things like that happen.”
During a Gotham attack in the winding minutes, a foul was called on Andi Sullivan, but the Spirit held tall on defense through a free kick and corner kick to keep its 1-0 lead. Washington’s defending third limited Gotham chances throughout a short three minutes of stoppage time until the final whistle.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Eyoel Fassil