It is the fifth match in the NWSL season, and the Washington Spirit are looking to get back to their winning ways in a tough road test against the Chicago Red Stars.
The action between the Spirit and the Red Stars is set for 8:00 p.m. at SeekGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
The ladies had themselves a tough one in their last match against the Houston Dash. Thus far the Spirit have had 14 scoreless draws since the 2016 season.
In the good news for the ladies, they are still unbeaten in four of the last five matches. This is going to be a tough test for the team though, as they have had only one victory against Chicago in the last eight regular season road matches.
That victory came during the 2019 season, which was a 2-0 decision in where Ashley Hatch had one of the biggest goals in that match.
Thus far Hatch has played tremendously for the Spirit, as she is one of six players in the NWSL this season to have at least three goals, that trails 2022 NWSL MVP Sophia Smith. Thus far Ashley has been able to convert on each of the Spirit’s three scoring chances, making them the only team with a 100% chance conversion rate.
Another storyline for the Spirit and the reason why the team has fared well is their defense, as they have only allowed three goals thus far. This is the second consecutive season the ladies have accomplished this feat, allowing fewer in the first four games only once before.
The backline has been impressive for the Spirit, that along with the play of goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury has helped to elevate the team. Once again Kingsbury has played tremendously in the cage having clean sheets in two of the last four matches.
The Spirit also have marathon women Sam Staab and Andy Sullivan to thank for their success, as they have been able to play every minute in the regular season so far.
Once Staab hits the pitch on Saturday’s match, she then breaks the NWSL record of 72 consecutive regular season starts that was held by Amber Brooks.
Up next for the Spirit they get to return to the friendly confines of Audi Field to play host to the San Diego Waves club on Sunday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m.
For more information on the Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: