Getting positive results on the road is not an easy task, but the Washington Spirit hung tough and got themselves a point against the San Diego Wave in NWSL action on 7/8/23.
There were a ton of positive storylines coming from the match, including the play of Spirit goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart making several big saves during the match.
Fans of the squad saw Chloe Ricketts getting a regular season start, that is a bit of a historical moment as she is the youngest player in history to do so at 16 years old.
In addition, there was the 99th regular season start with the squad is Ashley Hatch, has led the team in multiple levels, is now tied with Aubrey Kingsbury, while Maddie Elwell.
The Spirit got themselves the early momentum thanks to a penalty kick opportunity by Hatch. Thus far Ashley has eight so far in the season and 45 in her career. Hatch is now tied with Kerolin for the second most in the NWSL this season.
Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to check out the following video featuring thoughts from Head Coach Mark Parsons along with Gabrielle Carle and Lena Silano…. Video is compliments of the Washington Spirit:
When it comes time for penalties Ashley has been perfect as she is seven-for-seven from the spot during her time with the Spirit. Another impressive stat is the fact that the forward has scored 15 road goals.
San Diego gained themselves momentum and wound up outscoring the Spirit by a tally of nine to five, the ladies and their defensive efforts stepped up, as the Wave were held without a shot on goal the entire first half.
The Wave were able to cash in on their momentum in the second half, on a goal by Cheyenne Shorts, the tally was the eighth in the first minute of the second half of this regular season in the NWSL.
There was a moment for the Wave that hasn’t been seen that often in the sport of soccer, as an own goal occurred in the 54th minute, increasing the Spirit lead.
For those who are fans of the Wave got a sense of relief when the team found their second goal of the match from the foot of Taylor Kornieck.
From there the play of Barnhart was huge in keeping San Diego off the scoreboard and helping to lift the team to the draw and the one point. Nicole finished the game with seven saves, all came in the second half. This match si a big one for Barnhart, as she tied her best of seven saves in one half.
Up next for the Spirit is the fact that the team gets a week off before continuing their road stretch by heading to North Carolina to take on the Courage in 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup match on Saturday, July 22 at 7 p.m.
For more information on the Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: