**CARY, N.C.** – The Washington Spirit leave WakeMed Soccer Park with all three points after goals from forwards Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch were split by a penalty kick converted by North Carolina forward Kerolin as the visiting Spirit won, 2-1. The result means Washington has now avoided defeat in eight of their last ten meetings against the Courage (W4 D4) in all competitions. Prior to the 2021 regular season, North Carolina had won 10 of the 11 meetings between the sides in all competitions (L1).
Marching into the home of the Courage, Washington got off to a blazing start and would end up opening the scoring after just six minutes. With North Carolina in possession just outside their own 18-yard box, a wayward back pass was picked off by Rodman on the edge of the penalty just left of center. Rodman then opted for just two touches before setting herself up to rip a dipping shot toward the far post, which rippled the back of the net on its way in.
North Carolina would look to respond in the first half and would see chances for the likes of Kerolin, Mille Gejl, and others all either saved or blocked as their search for an equalizer was elongated. However, just before the end of the first half the Courage were gifted their best opportunity of the opening period of play when the hosts were awarded a penalty kick following a judged handball inside the box. Stepping up to take, Kerolin stuttered before placing her attempt into the left side netting and in despite a great diving attempt by Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
Though little time remained in the first half, both teams created looks on goal that were worthy of separating the sides before the halftime break. First, North Carolina’s Mille Gejl had an effort from distance saved. Then, two minutes later, Washington came close on the other end as midfielder Marissa Sheva had a shot blocked in front of goal that would have restored the visitor’s lead.
Despite all of those chances, the two sides remained level at the interval.
Replicating their first half performance, Washington was right back in front just minutes into the second half, this time through a penalty of their own. Forward Ashley Hatch was judged to have been brought down as she chased a pass into the 18-yard box in the 47 ^th minute, and after VAR review, the decision was upheld and the Spirit were given a spot kick. Up to take was Hatch, who placed her powerful penalty perfectly in the upper right corner of the goal for her 40 ^th career goal and to restore Washington’s lead.
North Carolina then upped the tempo again and attempted to play their way back into the match. In the 76 ^th minute, a well-worked team move up the right side saw Emily Fox end up in possession just inside the penalty area still on the right. She then lined up a cross-come-shot that was blocked out of play for a corner, though the hosts were ultimately unable to make anything happen from there. Multiple efforts from North Carolina via Fox and others all kept the Courage in the match but were not enough to bring them level again.
Instead, in the fourth minute of 10 added on, Spirit debutant Chloe Ricketts nearly put the game to bed with a close-range effort. Rodman was on the ball and sprinting up the right side where she lifted her head approaching the endline and drove a low ball across the box. After a brief pinball, the ball then dropped right at the feet of Ricketts, but the young talent could not keep her effort on target and the Courage were left with a lifeline still.
Putting consistent pressure on the Spirit goal, North Carolina’s best next look at something came in the eighth minute of added time when forward Tyler Lussi went down under the challenge of the Spirit goalkeeper Kingsbury as she chased down an aerial through ball. However, the flag would end up being raised for offside and after VAR review, the decision was upheld.
In the end, the Spirit were able to hang on and continue one of their best starts to a campaign since 2016 with a 2-1 win. In addition, Washington put a dent in North Carolina’s recent home record, with the Courage having won six of their last seven (L1) in Cary prior to Saturday night, including winning the last two without conceding.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights