NWSL Results: Spirit come from behind to defeat Gotham

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Three matches were on tap on Sunday in the penultimate weekend of NWSL Challenge Cup group stage action. Here’s how things played out:




NJ/NY Gotham FC 1, Washington Spirit 3



The Skinny: Though Gotham scored early, the Spirit came from behind to earn the win away from home through a superb free kick by Ashley Sanchez and a brace from Trinity Rodman.




One Key Moment: Sanchez’s free kick to equalize in the 24th minute completely swung the momentum in the Spirit’s favour. Her expertly taken shot swung around Gotham’s wall, and keeper Ashlyn Harris was left ball watching, as she saw the ball much too late to react.

GOAL @WashSpirit!!

ASHLEY SANCHEZ, STOP IT!!! #NJNYvWAS | 1-1 pic.twitter.com/gzqVBZGZSg
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) April 17, 2022

Inside the Game: It was the Sanchez-Rodman show on Sunday at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. Though a defensive lapse from the Spirit and a well placed shot by Nahomi Kawasumi put Gotham ahead early, Gotham couldn’t put much together moving forward for the remainder of the match.




Sanchez’s free kick was the highlight on the day, but Rodman’s goals weren’t too shabby either. The first was a jaw dropping first-time volley off of a cross by Kelley O’Hara, and the second was a beautiful sequence in front of goal. With Sanchez rushing down the wing, Rodman managed to beat Gotham’s defenders to the cross for the diving finish.

Trinity Rodman, take a bow!!

Rodman beats Krieger to the cross and gets her second on the day!#NJNYvWAS | 1-3 pic.twitter.com/5UIz0bhuCr
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) April 17, 2022

After last month’s twitter kerfuffle involving Rodman, Harris, and Ali Krieger, Rodman couldn’t have looked happier when her second sailed into the back of the net.




Washington remain unbeaten in this year’s Challenge Cup (2 wins and 3 draws), while Gotham now boast a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Next Saturday’s Spirit-Courage clash will determine the winner of the East division.




The Goals:

1. NJ/NY Gotham FC — Nahomi Kawasumi, 4′
2. Washington Spirit — Ashley Sanchez, 24′
3. Washington Spirit — Trinity Rodman (Kelley O’Hara), 39′
4. Washington Spirit — Trinity Rodman (Ashley Sanchez), 75′

— Emily Dulhanty



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