Washington Spirit didn't play coy on the road. Against Racing Louisville, they bossed the possession, earned the right real estate, and waited patiently for the perfect moment to attack. They held 69% of possession in the opening half, had a solid backline, and an opposing team that barely got wind. The reward was with patience: 2-0, three points, and their second road victory of the season. Since the start of 2024, Spirit has gained nine road victories, which puts them tied with Orlando Pride for the NWSL lead in that category.
Dominate first half, but sparse clear chances
Although they dominated play, Spirit was unable to convert quantity into real threat during the first 45. They took four shots, but they were not forceful enough to find the net. Courtney Brown, who was beginning for the first time this season, made a promising play in the 16th minute but shot it out of bounds. Hatch also had one from the outside of the box in the 38th. The best opportunity came during stoppage time, with a crossbar shot. Conversely, Louisville did not have much leeway. They managed to take only two shots in the entire first half and could manage only one save by Aubrey Kingsbury.
Halftime substitutions make a difference immediately
Trinity Rodman substituted for Brown, Santos yielded to Heather Stainbrook, and Gift Monday made her NWSL debut, entering the game as a substitute for Gabby Carle. The substitutions were immediately felt halfway through the second half, when Rodman took a through ball from Santos and pushed her way down the left flank. The play wasn't topped by a goal, but it was clearly seen to alter the tempo of the team.
Shortly later, Brittany Ratcliffe was brought down near the box. Santos took the free kick with style, the ball struck the right post and rolled past Louisville goalie Katie Lund. It was Santos' opening of the regular season, and also another one from a set piece, as had occurred in the Challenge Cup.
Hatch puts the lead further and gets the milestone goal for the club
Late in the 75th minute, Rodman also gave Louisville fits with a low shot that was forced into action by Lund. Ratcliffe stayed on her toes and set up Esme Morgan. The cross came beautifully, and Hatch headed it into the net. That score gave her four for the season and hit the 50-goal level in regular-season play for Spirit. She currently trails only Christine Sinclair (66) and Megan Rapinoe (51) for most goals scored with one club in the NWSL.