The Washington Spirit dominated in a 3-0 victory over the Houston Dash, taking three points that edged them closer to their laurel in the NWSL title race. This was immediately after the team clinched their playoff spot, signaling that their sights were firmly glued to much more than mere participation. The NWSL Shield is fully in focus, with only four points separating them from leaders Orlando Pride-the Spirit are more alive than ever in the hunt.
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Ashley Hatch and the Goal That Changed It All
Hatch coolly stepped to the penalty spot. She'd been composed before, and that didn't change here. Sure enough, the shot was placed perfectly into the corner as Hatch gave the Spirit the lead in the seventh minute. Still, this wasn't like any other goal for the forward. Hatch now boasts 10 penalty conversions in the regular season-record-setting to be the only player in NWSL history over the mark of six converted penalties, making her among the greatest on the team and in the league.
This goal was also highlight-reel material for another reason, too: it's the fastest penalty ever converted in Washington Spirit history, a record which underlines the intensity with which the team took to the field against the Dash. One could say this set the tone for the whole match.
Hatch's Double and the Spirit's Attacking Power
That first goal made the Spirit even more confident and continuing to press on the Houston Dash. Hatch struck again in the 26th minute-on the attack like a predator. This time, the play started with Trinity Rodman, who showed her skill by tucking in a perfect cross into the box. Hatch was at the end of it, absolutely perfectly placed, and goalkeeper Jane Campbell had no chances.
This marked Hatch's 50th career regular-season goal-a milestone that places the forward in an elite class of NWSL players. Only seven athletes in league history have reached this mark, and with her fifth brace for the Spirit, Hatch continues to prove why she is one of the most dangerous forwards in the game.
First-Half Control and Missed Opportunities
Despite all this intense pressure from the Spirit, they could not get past their lead until the first half was over. Moments of great anticipation, such as when Leicy Santos scored, were immediately responded to with a goal being disallowed due to a foul in the box. More specifically, Ratcliffe hit the crossbar twice in stoppage time-a sign that this team was hungry for even more goals.
The first half ended with the Spirit in complete command, albeit with a nagging feeling that the scoreline could have been bigger still. As for Houston Dash, they seldom looked like posing any sort of threat with concentration fixed firmly on containment rather than the creation of anything of attacking note.
Trinity Rodman Seals the Win
If the first half was Hatch's to dominate, Trinity Rodman got the second half underway with brilliance. Rodman took matters into her own hands early into the second half. With defenders seemingly being bypassed, she fired a precise shot that hit the crossbar before bouncing in. The goal was Rodman's eighth on the season, putting her atop the team leaders alongside Ouleye Sarr.
This also marked Rodman's 23rd career goal, tying her with Diana Matheson for second-most in Washington Spirit history. If that wasn't enough, it was the first time Rodman scored and assisted in back-to-back matches, showing her impact on the team goes way beyond just scoring goals.
Unrelenting Pressure and a Wrapped-Up Win
Even up 3-0, Spirit continued to press on Houston Dash for more goals. Makenna Morris, who subbed in for Rodman in the 69th minute, nearly did, hitting post in a play that could've finished her performance with a goal. But despite several attempts, the score didn't change throughout the match.
With the win, the Spirit completed a season sweep against Houston Dash, marking the fourth team they've swept this year: Utah, Bay FC, Gotham FC. Additionally, the three goals brought the Spirit's season total to 42, just one shy of Orlando Pride, who lead the NWSL in goals scored this season.