Rodman Returns in Style!

The second half of the NWSL season kicked off for the Spirit on Sunday afternoon, in front of a crowd of over 16,000 at rowdy Audi Field. Adrián González took over for his first official game as permanent head coach of the Spirit after the mid-month departure of Jonatan Giráldez, who was hired as the new head coach of Kang-owned OL Lyonnes. 

The Washington Spirit entered the game in fifth place, with their foes for the night, the Portland Thorns, sitting just one point below them in sixth place. They had previously only won four of the twenty-four meetings against the Thorns, and were coming off a loss to them earlier in the season, as well. The injury report was a fresh breath of air for Spirit fans, though, as Paige Metayer and Trinity Rodman were both off it. Rodman started on the bench, while Metayer was not in the squad. Another member not in the squad was Sofia Cantore, the new Italian addition who is fresh off a successful Euros campaign, where she ultimately lost to eventual winner and Spirit fan-favorite, Esme Morgan. Optimistic news for Paige and Sofia, though, as new head coach Adrián González had this to say about their involvement in the squad after the game:

The game began in front of a roaring Spirit crowd, with Washington having the best chances of the opening quarter-hour, despite having much less possession. Croix Bethune struck a good shot from outside the box, only to find her effort meet the crossbar and be subsequently cleared away. Early thoughts of the opening minutes held that the referee was officiating a lopsided game, with many more calls going against the Spirit than probably should have, and the fans let him know with consistent and constant booing. Croix also let him know, which led her to pick up the first booking of the game, just ten minutes in.

Rosemonde Kouassi was a very bright spot in this Spirit attack during the first half, using her rapid pace and her shifty skills to get by defenders. In the thirteenth minute, she did just that, putting in a great low cross to Gift Monday, who ultimately was not able to get onto it. That did not stop Kouassi from trying again just four minutes later. With an almost identical play, she took the ball up the wing and put in a low cross. Gift Monday was there this time, tapping the ball into the net as the Spirit took a one-nothing lead. Gift spoke these praises on Kouassi after the game:

Portland had the next big chance of the game. Reilyn Turner has a chance to run and she does just that as she paces the Spirit defense for 40 meters after a ball played from Torpey, but her shot is well wide; Kingsbury does not even have to move. The final fifteen minutes of the half brought the most action, with clear chance after clear chance, almost all for the Spirit. A penalty appeal for a foul on Croix Bethune was waived off after a VAR check, which did not go down well with the supporters in the stands. Although the referee did not put on an impressive performance this match, he did make the correct decision here. Three minutes into the stoppage time for the first half, Portland’s Jessie Fleming plays a neat ball to Olivia Moultrie, who strikes from outside the box into the bottom corner past a diving Kingsbury. A silent stadium stands still as the Spirit go into the locker room level with their adversaries. Fans eagerly await the substitution of Trinity Rodman in the second half, as they cling onto hope.

A much quieter half in terms of chances for both teams. Aubrey Kingsbury had a few jaw-dropping saves, though Spirit fans have become accustomed to her brave, ‘put it all on the line’ playing style. Kingsbury arrived at the game wearing a Tori Huster jersey, and, in the 67th minute, passed her for most Washington Spirit regular season minutes of all time. Kingsbury, who is now 33 years-old, and has one more team-controlled year left on her contract, spoke on her future, declaring:

The 75th minute was not quiet by any means. As Trinity Rodman came up to the sideline to enter the game for Rosemonde Kouassi, Audi Field exploded with applause. An atmosphere that would best any other in the league as Rodman ran out onto the field. For the final fifteen minutes, fans were on the edge of their seats. The 90 minute mark passed and nine more were added on as both teams hoped to grab a dramatic winner. Shortly after, Courtney Brown won the ball in the attacking third. She shipped in a cross and Croix Bethune flicked it on with flair. It fell in the path of the only person who had the right to strike that ball: Trinity Rodman. She blasted it into the net, later stating that she was going to “hit it through the net before anything”. The stadium erupted, tears were flowing from Rodman and fans, Thorns player’s hearts sinking into their chests. Nine more long minutes went by until the ref finally blew the whistle, propelling the Spirit up to 2nd place (now 3rd) with a big three points. Audi Field brought the emotions on Sunday, and they hope to continue this high for the final twelve games of the regular season.

The Spirit seek revenge on Gotham on Saturday August 9, a team that is seven points and five positions below them in the table, but also a side that demolished them during the two team’s last meeting. 

Written by Brian Rapuano