The Spirit's 2024 NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup came to an end following a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Red Stars. Chicago was playing for pride as they didn't have a chance to advance but Washington had a must-win scenario that they just couldn't pull through.
In the 39th minute, the Spirit saw their first real chance at goal on a counterattack. Andi Sullivan received the ball just outside the box while dribbling to her right. She cut back left just inside the box and fired a shot that just sailed over the bar.
Two minutes into extra time, Red Star Jenna Bike poached a ball off a deflection from goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart and secured it into the back of the net. Chicago went into the break up 1-0.
In the 53rd minute, the Spirit's Ouleymata Sarr won a penalty after she was fouled in the box during a corner kick. Andi Sullivan stepped up to take the try and beat the keeper with a quick, low effort to tie the match.
The deadlock was short-lived after Jameese Joseph gave Chicago a one-goal advantage. On a counterattack, Shea Groom sent a beautiful through ball to Joseph who beat two defends on her run. In acres of space 1 v 1 with the keeper, she eased past Barnhart to calmly take back the lead.
The Spirit were in desperate need of a goal, seeing their hopes of advancement slowly slipping away. Their chance came in the 82nd minute on a counterattack with numbers in their favor. In a packed box, a shot deflection came off Sarr and landed at the feet of an unmarked Lena Silano. Just a few yards from the face of goal, Silano calmly slotted it home to the keeper's near side to tie the game 2-2.
In the dying embers of the match, a mistake by the Spirit defense would end their chances of advancing. Just minutes away from a penalty shootout, the Spirit's Annaïg Butel lost the ball just outside of the 18-yard box. The ball was recovered by Chicago's Sara Griffith who had plenty of time with the ball. After composing herself about 25 yards out from goal, she sent a rocket past Barnhart. The long-range effort was high, to her far side, and definitely would've earned a "top bins!" on the training ground.
The last-minute goal would end any chance of a comeback for the Spirit. The match ended 3-2 as did both team's chances of moving forward in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. The Spirit instead will look forward to their historic doubleheader at Audi Field on Sunday, August 25. At noon, they'll face the Kansas City Current and later that day at 4 PM ET, fans will be able to watch a historic friendly between Chelsea Football Club and Arsenal Football Club. One ticket accesses both matches. Fans can get their tickets today at WashingtonSpirit.com/friendlies.
-Jon Jones
No comments:
Post a Comment