The pulsating encounter saw 19,215 fans cram into Audi Field as Washington Spirit came from behind to defeat Bay FC 2-1 in extra time in front of a record East Coast NWSL playoff crowd. The result sealed a fifth semifinal appearance for the Spirit.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
Spirit: the resilience to inspire confidence
The Washington Spirit hit the field with an excellent record of five straight home wins. This run spoke to the cohesiveness of the team: a tight backline and one well-orchestrated midfield-arguably one of the top performances this season. Heather Stainbrook, Hal Hershfelt, and Courtney Brown-the three rookies-greased the midfield, setting the tone for the team during the first half.
Central to all this was center-back Esme Morgan, whose presence brought that extra oomph at the back, shuttering Bay FC in their tracks. Through Morgan's composure, the Spirit dominated possession and kept Bay's chances limited in the first half, though clear-cut opportunities were scant on both sides.
Rodman and Morris: The Dynamic Duo Keeping Bay FC Busy
MaKenna Morris and Trinity Rodman were critical to the Spirit's offense, driving constant attacks down the right wing repeatedly forcing Bay into a defensive posture. Operating both of those players down the right, the Spirit kept heavy pressure, even as the score stayed level. Rodman, in particular, was a thorn in Bay's side, to the extent that the defense resorted to fouling her, ultimately drawing a yellow card for Alyssa Malonson.
Offensively, Bay FC had the services of forwards Asisat Oshoala and Racheal Kundananji, who had shared most of the goals scored by their team in recent games. These two were the driving force behind Bay's last seven goals (excluding own goals), so it wasn't out of place to see them trying to break through the Spirit's defense in the first half. Despite some chances, a solid Spirit defense would keep the score line at 0-0 by halftime.
Rising tension and Bay FC takes the lead
After the break, Spirit's coach Jonatan Giráldez made a tactical substitution as Leicy Santos came on for Courtney Brown to give the attack fresh impetus. With Rodman and Hershfelt still pressing, the game was warming up to its defining moment on the 82nd minute. Oshoala capitalized on a rare defensive error from the Spirit to put Bay FC ahead and momentarily silenced Audi Field.
McKeown's equalizer restores the hopes of Spirit.
The response was immediate and correct from the Spirit. First defender Tara McKeown scored her first goal of the season four minutes after Oshoala's, and it was delirium as she netted the equalizer. It was a moment of pure guts and great technical brilliance that dragged the team from the jaws of defeat.
Extra time and the winner
A match that needed extra time with the score all square at regulation, Spirit made four substitutions to introduce fresh legs while Bay FC stuck with most of their starters-a decision that would come back to haunt them in the result eventually. Rodman supplied a perfect cross in the 96th minute that deflected off Bay defender and former Spirit player Caprice Dydasco and into the goal.
Spirit's defense holds off Bay FC's final push
As extra time wrapped up, the Spirit took front and maintained their lead, countering against Bay's attempts at an equalizer. Oshoala got one last, desperate attempt, but the Spirit defense and midfield were prepared for anything. As the final whistle blew, the fans erupted in jubilation, and the Spirit punched their ticket into the NWSL semifinals.
Historic performances and playoff debuts
For Bay FC, this was a historic match: Oshoala's goal meant the first playoff score in club history, while Penelope Hocking's assist was her first postseason one. Alyssa Malonson and Racheal Kundananji were among the players that made their NWSL playoff debut. Among the veterans, Abby Dahlkemper and Emily Menges made milestones as well, each hitting her 10th career playoff game and joining an elite group in the NWSL with that milestone.