WASHINGTON SPIRIT VS KANSAS CITY CURRENT | 2024 NWSL SEASON | FULL MATCH 25.08.24

[Music] as two teams pushing for a top place in the standings here's a lineup for Washington Spirit they're set in a 433 and four players back from the Olympics for the US and Lacy Santos for making her nwsl regular season day to attack quickly especially with her front four so it's going to be important that they push the pace early on and then for Kansas City current this is the team that they're going with cook making her inl regular season debut but de Bernardo she'll pull the strings in the Midfield and look to play off of the front three who we know are going to press be electric with their 40 goals on the season as just around the corner the Olympians are back in action and we are underway from Washington DC the spirit and their black kits the current and their white tops and teal shorts and Lori a game with a lot on the line despite the fact that there's still 10 games to go in the regular season but when you look at how close it is at the top of the table how much there is to play for when it comes to playoff position and two sides with very high aspirations this season you got to think that that went into the decision for head coach Jonathan heraldez for the spirit making his nwsl regular season debut as well to play some of these Olympians in this game their short return absolutely and we do know that these team two teams are the highest scoring teams in the nwsl so expect the first 15 minutes especially to be high intensity High Pace looking to attack quickly and really it's going to come down to who can take their chances but then also who can defend limit the other team's attack throughout this 90 minutes heraldez just his second regular season game as the head coach his debut was a good one a 3-0 win against Bay FC just before the Olympic break but not much time to really Implement some of his ideas and things that he is wanting to see from this team is a bad giveaway by the Kansas City current trying to clear it out of the back deia tracking back to help astina basaga Peterson sends it long that's de Bernardo trying to gain control and that press coming from the Washington Spirit causing some problems for the current who are going to try to get on the get out on the break show shinga shinga with the pressure shinga still going for it and the whistle is finally blown looks like that'll be a foul on shinga but either way a strong effort and no surprise given how she likes to play well already the intensity that we were talking about back and forth it does start with a turnover deep in the own half Washington Spirit pressing sending numbers forward regain possession by the Kansas City current and then just one big ball over the top showing shaa her ability to make something out of of nothing really good positioning from McKeon early on Center back for the Washington Spirit putting yourself in a good position to allow for bledo to come off our line and then ultimately draw the foul and they're going to have to be on point that back line for the Washington sphere all game long because just like that one big ball over the top can cause so many problems for the defense of the Washington spirit with shinga on that front line for Kansas City mó going to have her hands full today but she has been a Mainstay of this back line for the spirit the only player to play every minute for Washington this season and defending against a team today Kansas city that has similar skill sets as the spirit as they try to get forward quickly Lacy Santos one of her first touches in her first regular season game for the Washington spirit is an errant one the current win it [Applause] back Ellie wheeler driving forward drawing the foul at half field Ellie wheeler from the DC area as you see Trinity Rodman a fantastic Olympic showing for her with the United States winning Olympic gold bager Peterson will be tasked with defending Trinity Rodman today so a tough task ahead for both defenses Lor yeah certainly especially with how much they want to press and want to send players forward so when both of these teams are trying to build out it's going to be important that they stay calm find the open player try to break that first line of press because if they can that's when the space is going to start to open up they will find a little bit more time on the ball DEA in particular for Kansas City could have a really important role today in terms of her floating around finding that space right in front of the back line for the Washington Spirit haly mace playing it through and forward it's Michelle Cooper combining on on the far side ball SLI through Leon Cross Too Much on it as it sails over the heads of both KC and spirit players head coach vatco andonovski in his first season at the Helm of the Kansas City current two-time nwl coach of the year so no stranger to success in this league but now with one of the most exciting teams and an ownership group an organization Lori that has shown their High aspirations in a number of ways whether it's been the Financial investment with the brand new cpkc stadium some of the aggression that they've shown in bringing in top talent You' got to think that anything short of an nwsl final appearance would be a disappointment for Kansas City and for the Washington Spirit Well I think the the interesting word that you use there is just the aggressiveness of bringing players in and even with them being in the the second spot in the standing so far and leading the league in terms of goal scoring we've already seen some changes in their roster during the Olympic break and that tells me yes quick combination play here for Kansas City back post toia her shot is blocked wheeler keeps it [Music] alive lant under some pressure there well just to finish that point what that tells me is that they're happy with where they are but they're not satisfied so they're still looking to make improvements maybe not even just for this season but looking to head to Future seasons and then also just looking to bolst of the roster always looking to be competitive finding that extra Edge make sure that they're always in a position to try to win a championship uar goes to ground no call as Alana cook getting some of her early touches on the ball with her new team joining from the Seattle rain blacko and anasi really big on this addition for the team and said it was great because they didn't really have to sell cook on the idea of coming to Casey this is something that she wanted and really credits the way she sees the game and what she brings to this team it's Casey trying to quickly find those little spaces through the spirit defense Cooper sends it into the box deia there at the back post ball goes wide but Kansas City earns a corner on the play well the last couple minutes have been excellent from Kansas City current because they know coming into this game that they're going to have to find moments when to slow things down when to speed it up try to surprise this Washington Spirit team with some intens and quick play there's that ball floated in well done from Mata the right back typically more of a center mid playing in that right back position she's going to have her hands full this afternoon dealing with DEA who most likely will cut inside pinch into those Central areas so a question for MATA throughout is when does she step when does she stay in line with the back line of Washington Vanessa D Bernardo sends it in a bit short cleared away as shinga track backs it down to keep it alive lant trying to quickly spring something into the box and now can Washington get out on the counter foul called on uar who will get the ball back for the spirit an interesting thing in this game just to start with in the first 15 minutes is how settled can Kansas City be because one of the things that's interesting about this team and how good they've been didn't really lose outside of Desiree Scott and Nelle prince in the Olympians during the break so they played meaningful games and they also had more time to train understand get the collective unit plugging away even more than we've already seen so one of the focal points was that final third and just the connectivity between and different ideas that they can bring in terms of the tempo whether it's quick whether it's fast for this current team so it is going to be interesting how quickly they can settle in because on the other side Washington Spirit reintegrating players into the mix but hersfeld Trinity Robin and name a few of those players back into the to the mix Santos making her nwl regular season debut as well Colombian International so a lot of moving pieces for Washington we'll see how those pieces fit together quickly in this game Santos on the ball now paig Mater driving forward taking the space she blows past wheeler or Clare Hutton rather still mat Mater takes it herself near post mat makes it n for the [Applause] [Music] spirit Paige Mater said hold the phone I got this she's used to finding space as we had just mentioned primarily a midfielder of trade takes the space gets past Hutton and then just sees a little bit of Gap it cuts across B Zager and the momentum that she has and then just takes it keeps it low really AD franch should be doing better in this moment yes she's looking one way comes back across but needs to be getting something on that well done for Mater to be able to break that first line of pressure sees the space goes herself bypasses a number of players and defensively Kansas City current will be disappointed in that aspect to allow the right back of the Washington spear to be able to cover that that much ground and then put them up one- Zer here at home first goal so important big time goal for the Washington Spirit you see looking for a quick response DEA to De Bernardo Cooper plays it across punched Away by [Applause] Kingsbury recovered nicely by Casey Krueger back from the Olympics but her passes not a good one as shingo is right there but the recovery was strong from the [Applause] spirit an interesting aspect of that goal from Mater is we talked about both of these teams they want to press but the vulnerability lies defensively if you can break that first line then the gaps open up because they can both get disconnected from their Midfield to the back line Mata sees that she takes the space gets players isolated b seer to to name one of them does so well with that finish they put the home side up one Z but interesting enough as well both of these teams undefeated wi scoring first so we'll see what that looks like for this Washington Spirit team in terms of being a hold on to this lead gaining momentum going up early in this game uar is down on the ground looks to be in a considerable amount of pain is she's slow to get up how herselt and Sullivan checking on their teammate here's another look at what [Applause] happened not a ton in that and b seer does know that she needs to get tied on saw don't allow her to get faced up as well to get touch tight get a body on her what a start for the Washington Spirit at home getting the early 1 n lead through Paige Mater who scores her first goal of the season and becomes the 13th different goal scorer for the Washington Spirit that's another similarity between these two teams as they have really spread the love around when it comes to goal scoring the Casey current with 17 different goal scores which is the record in the [Music] nwsl and the spirit will look to keep the trend of being un eaten when scoring first alive here on their home field it's DEA muscled off the ball earning Casey a set piece in a dangerous area here's another look at that goal from mat well that's a the really lovely cut she sees Bal seer's body facing one way she goes the other and just slots it to the near post franch is in a good position maybe she gets screened at the last second credit to Mater because she does keep it low it's an important goal first 15 minutes we talked about Alli the momentum especially playing at home for the Washington spear getting this crowd behind them forcing Kansas City to have to chase this game that'll be de berardo standing over this one de Bernardo sends it in headed [Applause] away KY quickly went it back through de Bernardo deia [Applause] Boger as we get a look at Trinity Rodman making the start today the question Lori will be whether or not she's on some sort of minutes restriction fresh off of Olympic gold with the us and it goes to show just how much this matchup means for the spirit given that the four returning us Olympians all getting the start today yeah I mean this is an important game we talk about it feeling like a new season you want to get off there's a poor pass easy pick off for bethon Here Comes Cy bethon playing it through to SAR SAR gets the shot off SAR makes it two sar's eighth goal of the season and the spirit are rocking and rolling on this Sunday afternoon well the one thing that Vlad ananasi told us coming into this game that you can allow this Washington Spirit team to be able to to score first but then gain some momentum because their goals come in bunches and this combination between bethon between SAR has been excellent all season long just an understanding of each other's presence and their ability the runs that they're making that's a beautiful ball weighted perfectly allows SAR to be able to open up her hips rolls across her and then goes back against the grain right in the exact spot that you want out of range for Edie franch against the gra of the defender slots at home her eighth of the Season 2-0 just like that for the Washington [Applause] spirit with that goal the spirit now have 14 multi-goal games which ties Kansas City for that number again the similarities between these two teams are endless but on the day so far glor just 16 minutes in it has been all Washington Spirit why is that what is Kansas City missing right now well right now it's just easy giveaways and they're not taking advantage of opportunities to be able to create numerical advantage in the center of the field dein will have a crucial part in that when she does tuck in here comes Michelle Cooper powering forward plays it across shinga with a touch the wrong way and now the spirit going the other way can they spark another counter but more specifically Ally it started with that second goal just an easy giveaway pass right to bethon and then that combination understanding I mean Bon's presence for this Washington Spirit team alone has provided another level of dynamism in their attack 10th assist of the Season that ties Tobin Heath for most in the season for the young rookie Croy bethon she's been excellent and giving them a different look and the understanding between her and SAR is almost impossible to defend you just have to limit them but great ball in from bethon into SAR to put them up two Z but really right now just Kansas City current need to settle down get a hold of the ball connect their passes two easy giveaways that led to opportunities for the Washington Spirit they put [Music] away there has been so much soccer to enjoy across CBS this week and it coming up today at 2:45 Eastern you've got even more to look forward to on CBS Sports Network as we head to Italy for a City match up between Napoli and [Music] [Music] bolognia ball back in play for the spirit who have very much enjoyed the return of some of their key pieces who were away at the Olympics not missing a beat right now and that has not been the case across the rest of the nwsl L we saw a lot of other teams resting their Olympians but the spirit they get theirs back and making early impacts in this game a crucial game and I just want to go back to the the previous point that you asked just about Washington and starting those players well if you look at bethon you look at herselt didn't play minutes in the the Olympics so they'll want to come back immediately put their stamp on this game they have herel helping Andy Sullivan just anchor that Midfield and then Beth and obviously showing her her skill set and what she what she does for this attack for the Washington spirit and then Rodney an extra day off they're not in terms of it being a Sunday game they're not traveling you're playing in front of this home crowd also have a double header with Chelsea Arsenal playing after Here Comes Ellie wheeler driving forward keeps it in plays it across balls there by [Applause] DEA Ste Bernardo crashing the area as she went to ground a little slow to get up looking a bit better from the current there but either way trying to overturn a 2-n deficit right now going to be a tough task and all all of those things for the Washington spirit that I was just speaking about play a role right in terms of rest getting players back in reintegrating you got Lacy Santos into the mix as well and I think one of the big question is how do all these pieces fit well so far seamlessly because how herselt Andy Sullivan right now in good position to nullify really a free player of whether shinga or DEA popping into the Midfield creating overload in those areas where they could cause problems so right now for the Kansas City current getting de Bernardo labont on the ball slowing things down just connecting passes saying we're still in this we can create Chances with the attack that we have we're going to get them just be patient find their movement find better chances don't rush deia out wide to Cooper who plays it across looking for Lon headed Away by Rodman who's been putting in the work defensively today she's able to stay on the ball quickly looking to play it forward to Ule SAR well it's excellent work from Trinity Rodman and we're accustomed to seeing her do that work defensively we're also seeing it on the other side though with Michelle Cooper just dropping deep she's on the ball now but in the Press you are seeing DEA shinga Step Up same with SAR bethon for the Washington spirit that allows for Cooper for Kansas City Trinity Rodman to drop a little bit deeper have coverage on their right sides it's allowing them to be able to pick off the ball and then attack and still have numbers forward something to keep an eye on throughout this match because I imagine that's going to play an important role just in terms of having coverage but also still being able to press which both of these teams like to do a great crowd today at Audi field as this is the first of two matchups in an exciting double header today shinga able to keep it alive lont to DEA top of the box de Bernardo tries to get a shot off blocked another chip attempted Over the Top by D Bernardo cleared Away by the spirit who have done a good job keeping things compact Lori especially inside and around the 18 making it hard for the current to play through them well that has been one of the evolutions of this Washington team is picking when they're going to step and press and then when they're going to drop back and be a bit more compact defensively that's something that Jonathan heraldez has really implemented into his his side is making sure that everybody's on the same page collectively geraldez so excited about this new opportunity in the nwsl just 32 years old but coming off of Barcelona's first ever quadruple and if you don't know what that means well they won a Champions League a league title copa de laena and a super Copa title so I don't know where he seems like it's a guy who knows a thing or two about winning trophies and and really what I like what he's done with Adrien Gonzalez as well who was the interm head coach before Jonathan haral has made made his way over to the states is just seeing and looking at the style of play I think a lot of a lot of us and a lot of fans in general thought okay is this going to be a Barcelona s team and I think we see moments of that and that's still being integrated into the team but really it's still a high attacking high-powered utilizing the strengths of this team there's going to be it looked like an offside initially from wheeler but Trinity Rodman still tracking back doing a lot of the work defensively but we are still seeing a quick attack transitional style from this Washington spirit so you're seeing a few of the nuances that he wants to bring in terms of possession when to attack when to slow it down and just trying to get everybody on the same page and he knows that's going to take time but we're seeing that quicker than I think a lot of us expected just the second regular season game for the Washington spirit with heraldez at the helm and if you look at how that first one went 3-0 over Bay FC and now up 2-n at home at his home debut over the second place team in the nwsl with a win today the spirit could Lea frog Kansas [Music] City he's going to get to hopefully fall goes right in his world lead his team to a win today in front of a huge crowd ticket sales have already surpassed last week's attendance number for this double header with Arsenal and Chelsea facing off after this matchup here today in Washington [Music] DC some quick onew touches from the current DEA going in on goal herselt tracking back DEA keeps it alive wheeler goes down in the Box no call great work from H hell and why she along with Cory bethon has changed the dynamic of this team the two rookies coming in making their presence felt not only at the beginning the season but now returning feeling like they're starting right where they left off before the Olympic break and showing us why they were included how H how herselt yes as a a an alternate an alternate exactly thank you cuz that word was not coming to my mind that's what friends are for yes and Cy bethon but showing why they were such an important addition because that work right her ability to make up that ground against a and just throw her off in the attack wrong footer is so important and allows this Washington team to be aggressive in their approach Clare Hutton tries to quickly spark something shinga can't bring it down in the Box Rodman again with the defensive efforts on this near side making it hard for Kansas City to play through when we talk about evolutions of teams and players well perhaps no Evolution has been greater to watch than that of trenity Rodman finding that balance offensively defensively Kansas City driving forward Lata tries to play it through well nothing comes of it but I think Washington Spirit that's where they need to be a bit careful are you trying to play quickly or just slow it down regroup here's the last play what I'm talking about with how hsel just can make up ground that athleticism the spacing the the spots that she takes up a partnership between her and Andy Sullivan has been excellent all season long they complement each other so well and Hal herselt such an important addition not easy to to limit a player like deia but does so well in that moment and a player like deia whose name hasn't been said all that often with the current this season she was one of the stars for them last year but with new additions like shinga shinga dominating the headlines deia really kind of took some time to find her footing and to get more minutes as well but during the summer cup really found her form scoring four goals which leads the competition and it comes at a good time with baz xanado so recovering from a foot injury and I think that early injury in that first game hamstring injury for DEA you know played a major role in her just slow start in terms of what we're typically used to seeing from deia goal scoring assists just causing so many issues but here we go with shinga again shinga gets a shot off right into the arms of Kingsbury well this is why it's going to be important for the Washington Spirit to also manage because now since those two goals Kansas City has a majority of the ball higher up the field they're creating chances shinga you know there's always going to be an opportunity with her on the field gets herself in a good position that one's always going right to bledo it's going to be an easy save but they always Force an issue and forcing the back line of oppositions to be on their toes with shinga on the [Music] field I think I've been saying blo which is so Mary named Kings very anyway Aubrey kingsberry right to her all if you didn't know Lori has been all across the country calling so many games just also reminding the viewers of Veteran goalkeeper how long exactly how important she has been to this Washington team and experience that she brings 31 career clean sheets for the [Applause] [Music] spirit cook on the ball she plays it to her new center back pairing of Al Sager Peterson cook was coached by blacko hanowski with the Women's National Team now rejoins him in Kansas City shinga played through still shinga handled very well by Tera mckone oh we had mentioned coming into this game key points who can execute we've seen Washington do that with their two goals take their chances so well but also so who's going to defend the best limit each other's attacks and right now that backline Mata coming up big Mick yon by trade has been a Ford previously last few seasons yes has played a center back but she's grown into that position incredibly well comes up with a big time Challenge on shinga and that last look is why it's going to be so important for DEA to find moments when she can pinch in because it's going to be difficult for the Washington Spirit to defend if she can float in between the lines there's disconnection at times for the Washington Spirit of whether or not Hal herel and you Sullivan are going to stay even more connected to that back line or is it going to force that back line to step up even more for the Washington Spirit regardless deia can find that space and then start to pull the strings which could be deadly and help them get back into this game KY [Music] mace all over the top looking for Bernardo Cooper attempts to play it across Santos there to help clear it [Music] away Hutton taking the space can't quite connect as the spirit have built a stone wall alongside the edge of the 18 well that's where the recognition especially with a de Bernardo we've mentioned be a number of times just an understanding of where the space is because the compactness into drop defensively into the central areas right now for Washington has been so good they know they want to deny when they're set in their shape those Central areas to not allow the entry passes into shinga so the space is going to be out wide so deia is going to have to either fill in that Gap or wheeler the left back position she has to stay wide when deia goes in and then especially Cooper on that Far Side stay wide utilize the width see if you can loosen up that backline of Washington horizontally then you'll start to see the gaps open up but right now too many Force issues for Kansas City in possession Croy bethon who has been fantastic in her first season in the nwsl leading the league in assists and rightfully so Lori one of the candidates for Rookie of the Year a bright future in this league and with the US Women's National yeah I don't think there's any question another good look at Trinity Rodman and you know the we've talked about World Cup you talk about Olympic hangover and what the teams and players are going to look like after uh such a long layoff layoff seven weeks between the last regular season game in this weekend and this Washington Spirit team has hit the ground running and a lot of credit to the the players but then also this coaching staff because it is not easy to reintegrate players and and when you look at like bethon and herfel in particular not playing a ton of minutes are they game ready are they game sharp well they haven't missed the beat already making an impact in this game making the lives easier of other players around them and off to a wonderful start on both sides of the ball for the home team so far LA you know this too it's not even just about the minutes that you get but being in that environment as well how impactful is that especially for a young player like hsel and the oh it is it is so such uh an experience it's it's hard it's an emotional experience it's a mental experience not only with the US Women's National Team because it's just the smallest little details that separate players so it forces you to be on the edge your game get better every second year in that environment but then also just an Olympic environment I mean it is such a fun experience you're taking it in you're so getting in but that is an emotionally taxing time and so to be able to regroup and then step on the field and a lot of credit to JY Rodman because she played such significant minutes such an important part of that win for the US this summer and comes right back into this mix and a lot of her work today has been on out of possession defensively helping out and that's that's been one of the reasons why they're up two Z theun sparking an attack trying to connect with AAR who's able to help win a throw in on the far side creeping into Kansas City's defensive third Casey Krueger one of the key parts of the US's back line at the recent Olympics boom keeps it alive but cleared Away by Kansas City herfel covers the [Music] ball now the spirit slowing things down and enjoying a bit of possession as they are up 2 N through goals from Paige Mater and Ule SAR [Music] deia forced out of bounds Santos leaves it for mat the goal [Music] scorer s Coast across to bethon keeps it going to Krueger Krueger fires off a shot deflected out behind by mace for a corner and I think bethon is one of the best if not the best in this league at just open uper hips understanding angles knows that she has the ability to go herself can play the final pass with her 10 assists on the season but just that ability to open up her body and allow that space to open up on the far side to see it through that's what earns them this corner kick and she doesn't get enough credit for that because you don't see a lot of players switching the point of attack but also have the ability to to go One V one and just show some dynamism as well higher up the field Andy Sullivan to take it sends it into the box header one by mckone but not dangerous on the second ball or the spirit as ad franch smacks that one with ease tough day so far for French hasn't seen too much action from the spirit but on the few occasions that they found their way forward exed produced yeah executed took their chances incredibly well Hutton with a poor [Music] pass now here come the spirit here's a dangerous sight Trinity Rodman plays it back across no one there Cook gets some help clearing It Away by basar erel was trying to dash forward and now here come the current the other way DEA taking the space great down by Mater with some expert defending well if there's somebody is up for this game it has been Mater as a right back tracking back doing whatever she can covering ground and it's needed because one thing that we do know is that this Washington Spirit team will send players forward Mata wants to get higher up the field as well and if deia doesn't go with him she's always going to be the outlet May mata's gonna have to play on both sides of the ball and that's a great example of it and now she's building the attack on this right hand side right after making that defensive play [Music] Bradman shinga working back to help win possession as she strips herel of the [Applause] ball Bernardo a little too late to get the pass off as Spirit win the ball back was too narrow too narrow for the Kansas City current and you can see de Bernardo was waiting for wheeler because she was the only one that was providing the width maybe a couple more short passes quickly just to keep the ball moving and allow for the opportunities in the spacing to develop a bit more in the attack for Kansas City getting closer to the halftime break if you're the spirit you'll be pleased with how the first half has gone but if you're Kansas City Lori what are you trying to do over these next couple of minutes and then getting set for the second as Krueger looking to switch field no one there making the Run it'll roll out for a throwing well I think you just need to start having conversations with the players near you and say okay what is gotten to us us to this point it's been our high powerered attack and at times you look around they have a good mix of players veterans experienced players in the league so de Bernardo DEA those types of players good tackle from Andy Sullivan Sullivan gets it back from SAR quickly back across cleared Away by cook SAR the top of the box face it back Leon as well they need their experienced players to get on the ball and at times make the right decisions better decisions on when you're going to speed up when you're going to slow it down too many easy giveaways that last one in particular you know this Washington Spirit team's going to set up so that they can press higher and then wait for that first pass and then go and we saw that on that last interception from Andy Sullivan so just move the ball around at times it's been too predictable for Kansas City in this first [Music] half shinga Hutton Hutton tries to fire one off shot is blocked [Music] [Applause] herfel fails on the connection to Santos now here come Kansas City shot goes just wide of the target for de Bernardo as it has been a big week in the nwsl and coming up the CarMax Halftime Report with our own Lisa Carlin and Daren they will have insight and analysis on the new CBA agreement and some other nwsl news that is all coming your way on the CarMax halftime report and here are some of the highlights that you need to know about the new CBA extension that will run through 2030 there is no more draft unrestricted free agency will be had for all there is increased player compensation and benefits no trades allowed without player consent guaranteed contracts and revenue sharing so very player friendly new agreement Lori with some big big points made and a message sent as well yeah congratulations to the players in the in WL paa and a quick quick attack now with SAR at the heart of it SAR plays it through looking for bethon thre Away by mace and Santos has done such a good job of finding some space where it's easy for her to be able to get turned because that backline of Kansas City can't stay with her they can't step up she's just getting on the outside of Hutton or labont once they do push shop and there's always an outlet and then they go quickly going be Casey Krueger on that Far Side Krueger plays it in Casey can't quite clear the area Krueger again back post and it goes just wide and I thought JY rman was going to continue her run or go to ground this stays out of it teasing ball to sent in Casey Krueger there's the press as soon as it's turned over they've got numbers in good positions to win it [Applause] back trying to put a little texture on it to find Trinity Rodman who's in a 1 V one position ad franch having to come up come off her [Music] line pressure from [Music] Sullivan Casey able to keep it and now trying to get Michelle Cooper forward well these areas in particular has gotten Kansas City in in some trouble because they're playing into the press and so they can be a little bit more patient or you get labont de Bernardo even hunting the three in the midfield for Kansas City getting their spacing their positioning right to be able to free themselves up much like I was talking about with Santos on this other side then then they can bypass that first line of pressure for the Washington spirit and have much more time on the ball than to be able to set up there attack it's just two rushed then they force the giveaway and it's always going to be Washington Spirit one of the things that we've seen throughout this season in great position to pick off balls and go quickly Rodman wins it and can't quite spark the counter Haley mace helping get forward for the current Cooper the right hand side crossed attempt by D Bernard bangs off the bar but it starts Ally with the ball going out wide just a no look pass you know where Cooper is Keep Her On The Touch line provide the width maximum width in the the attack and then you've got the players around Yes Credit to Washington they're disciplined to get numbers back but still de Bernardo half chance unfortunately that one ricochets off the crossbar you get an opportunity more and more chances will come if they continue to use the width and Lori while the K have spent a lot of time as we get another look here this time from ma who shot doesn't do much while the current have spent a considerable amount of time in this game getting forward and getting chances none of them have been all that dangerous so far no and that's where you credit the Washington Spirit defense because they have been disciplined to get back and and some of that has to do with the Kansas City current just making it too predictable they narrow the field considerably plays right in to the hands of Washington's defense have to utilize and just be a bit more patient they have the opportunities wouldn't be surprised in the second half you see them drop off a little bit not press as high that'll open up the space in behind and it'll almost Force this Washington Spirit to be the ones that dictate the play a bit more and see if you can force some of the turnovers that we've seen Washington do stoppage time is presented by Nationwide five minutes added on to the first half as the ball is popping around inside the spirits box and Kansas City have earned a corner kick a goal would do them a lot of good before the half just to try and cut this deficit in half the spirit getting set de Bernardo joined by Cooper near the near side corner [Music] flag de Bernardo plays it short gets it back from Cooper tries to play Far post headed away and Hutton got the last touch so that will be a goal kick for the spirit Claire Hutton just 18 years old by the way and is heading off to join the US 20s at the FIFA u20 World Cup after this game at taking place in Colombia she's a player that andonovski is very high on sees her as a future piece of the senior team but hasn't had much of an impact today Lori you'd have to say that the spirit have been winning some of the Midfield battles so far yeah I was just thinking about how the conversation that you and I were having prior to this game about really we thought the advantage for Kansas City has been that they have primarily been together for seven weeks played meaningful games we've mentioned that they were able to keep the majority of their team together therefore look to improve the understanding of one another the collectivity uh of their team in general whether it's in the attack defensively Ellie wheeler driving into the box still wheeler and she's able to earn a quarter but on the flip side of that for Washington and Washington is a team that's bringing players back in reigniting them into to the mix and that almost has been more beneficial because it feels like there's competition you get that energy of new players back in after the Olympic break your home home crowd in front of you and that's been the difference energy in which that this Washington team's attacking defending as a unit really off footing Kansas City and not giving them any clear looks de Bernardo sends it in long this time punch Away by Kingsbury for another corner from the exact same position good work from kingsberry through traffic de Bernardo again back post header ball still in play Tracked Down by Sullivan help from Santos sends long to Rodman and the spirit with some solid defensive work yet again and Rodman will get called for the foul on mace trying to drive into Kansas City's [Music] half well not much in this from Trinity Rodman just trying to flick it P but look at the positioning mace does so well there's a little clip of the heel and she knows that she has to do well with the positioning utilizing her entire body because otherwise try with that space in behind straight to goal wheeler again getting forward cutting into the box bethon defending that one and gets the Final Touch off of Wheeler for a goal kick for The Spirit Well an excellent work in this first half for Washington alley executed we knew it was going to be fine margins between these two teams cuz really mirror images of one another and how they want to play play quick attacks get numbers forward can leave themselves vulnerable defensively because they do want to push so many players into the attack and it was about execution but then also limiting the chances and excellent work on both sides of the ball took their chances Washington in the first half has forced Kansas City to have to chase this game really put them out of sorts Cooper goes to ground no call mace yeah and then defensively they've worked considerably hard to go together and and so much of Kansas City's game as shinga DEA we haven't called their names much at all in this game and that's credit to the backline but also how hille Andy Sullivan staying connected as a group and denying those entry balls especially into the central areas has forced Kansas City to have to just settle for either set pieces longdistance shots and when those are the only ways that you're getting opportunities you got to be effective Casey haven't been able to convert on a number of chances here's another from the corner flag de Bernardo sends it into the box wheeler gets up ball pops out for shinga we've got a player down on the ground for the spirit looks like Ule SAR holding her back last time that SAR went down in similar fashion it was after a challenge with basaga this time with wheeler we are in the six minute now of stoppage time well s taking a few of those hits throughout this first 45 minutes of this [Music] game really good Target in the air in the attack but defensively as well like it was wheeler that gets just the better of her ball back in play cook deala [Music] Sager and there is the halim whistle Washington Spirit up 2-n at the half thanks to goals from Paige mat with her first as they have seen their offensive production spread around quite a bit and we are back underway from Audi field the spirit lead 2-n after the first half with goals coming from Paige mat assisted by Lacy Santos in her first regular season game in the nwsl since joining the spirit and the second goal coming from Ule SAR assisted by Croy bethon the rookie who now with that assist has 10 on the season which ties Tobin Heath and what an accomplishment for Croy bethon for reaching that incredible number in just her first season in the nwsl as the current trying to cut this deficit in half they're on the ball early labont tries to fire off a [Applause] [Music] [Applause] shot shinga ball over the top looking for deia Kingsbury out to grab it well that little up back through combination for Kansas City could be on because then you draw the attention of that backline for Washington to the ball and then you get the runners whether shingo she's the one that laid it off that time and then deia running through if it's vice versa cause a lot of problems for that back line Good Start see a bit more patience when they are on on the ball through the Kansas City current see if that continues especially as this second half wears [Applause] on Alana cook and her first nwl regular season game with her new team the KC current mace forced backwards by bethon and for Kansas City while they did have a successful Olympic break winning the women's Cup against Atletico Madrid and making it to the final of the inaugural summer cup that will take place later on in October when they face off against uh Gotham FC they didn't end the regular season before the break on the highest note they lost just their first game of the season to the Orlando pride and right now stand to suffer a second straight loss in regular season play down 2-0 against the spirit L what do you think the message was from vosi time well I think it's about patience because he knew coming into this game they didn't want to make it back and forth they were going to have to find moments where they keep possession move it side to side and we really didn't see that we saw them after they conceded the two goals it felt a bit frantic and they couldn't get themselves back into the game forced the issue a bit created the turnover especially the second one it was just an easy turnover right into the path of Washington that allowed them to score that second goal but it's just about finding different ways we know this team wants to attack quickly and if that's not on and a team's defending really well getting numbers back behind the ball limiting shinga the space in behind for her to be effective in those moments then what comes next and that's where you have to start to move it side to side and and and I say that side to side because that's where the space is going to be and there H there has to be a a level of maturity in the way that you attack Variety in the way you attack and de berardo is going to be showing the the first Yellow Card of this [Applause] game but right now the Midfield battle is being won by the Washington Spirit you see La s Santos and bethon getting numbers around de Bernardo no outl for her tracks back draws the foul yellow card but Santos herselt solivan and bethon at times when she pinches in done such a good job spacing around the ball creating the turnovers as somebody's pressing then they have coverage in behind really hasn't allowed for Hunton and dionardo and lont to be able to get a foot hold in this game now the spirit with the free kick Sullivan sends it into the box headed Away by mace helped forward by shinga shinga has three Spirit players around her Pops to go back to Cooper and an errant pass cannot quite connect with Cooper and the ball is out of bounds as we take a look at the first half shots on target for the spirit they had three and scored two goals while for Kansas City just one shot on Target that is not the kind of production that we are used to seeing or lack thereof from this Kansas City current team in the first half Lor the lowest of the Season which is say that that's more of a we we'll hold that thought for just a second here as here come Washington Spirit Trinity Rodman back post Rodman makes it three for the spirit and she is feeling good coming off of Olympic [Applause] gold well this is one area that they have done incredibly well throughout the season not just this game is finding the wide areas it's finding the extra player and then getting isolated 1 V one and yes that's a little bit of a gift because it does go off of Wheeler's Lake but we see triny Rodman time and time again get faced up in these positions she has one thing on her mind to go to goal Cuts back gets it on her left foot there's a little deflection because it's a late challenge to try to get something on it from wheeler that's unsavable from an ad franch just top Corner outside of the little deflection it feels almost identical of the game-winning goal that we saw from Trinity Rodman in the Olympics where she cuts back does the rest and what a beauty of a goal that is to create even more separation in this score line and really feels like it's starting to put this game Out Of Reach against Kansas City with that one shot that you talked about in the first half can they pull one back here comes Cooper driving towards the end line play it across Kingsbury there to grab it at the near post Washington Spirit Up 3 n getting another early in this second half Trinity Rodman flipping the hair and looks to potentially help flip what we see in the standings coming into this game with the current in second and spirit in third The Spirit Well on their way to a victory listen we were talking about this yesterday in the the Gotham versus Portland game that this the standies could look very different and and right now everyone's fighting for playoff positions but also home field advantage so a lot to play for and that's why this game even though it's the first game back and it feels like a new season is so important because you want to gain confidence you want to gain momentum put yourself in such a good posess position to be able to ride that momentum throughout the rest of this season because the margins are so tight we talking about a team that scored 40 goals so far in this season has been been held to one shot so far in this game and listen that was a big talking point from Jonathan heraldez he said I feel like we're getting much better in possession I'm satisfied where we are yes in incremental gains that we need to continue to see but it's out of possession that needs to be better what a move that is thank you very much baites Haley mace but trying to get on the other side little Pat from her coach he said hey maybe next time but out of possession is where he wanted to see the most most growth and just watching this game today yes they're pressing team they're going to send players forward SAR bethon Rodman difficult to play against especially when they come at you defensively but the biggest difference I've seen is immediately if they're not going to press they're dropping back into a mid block they've got so many numbers and Hutton Leon de Bernardo have not been able to get on the the ball with any time or space there you go any suvan Chason you got herfel filling in the gaps in behind then it's a turnover and now they have a pre player and they're C in these opportunities because they're just doing the work defensively and then they find an open player and yes maybe they didn't have a ton of opportunities themselves they executed the ones that they got but that will come over time on making the right pass do you need two or three quick passes then break out can you go direct all of those aspects will start to come into play as this team grows together especially with integrating some of the new faces Santos in particular Rodman back into the mix bethon herel all the the Olympians that we talked about it has given this Washington Spirit team a boost as you can see some of that frustration as shinga and smart a little shove to an B all of these little things just slowing down the play don't allow Deb berardo so smart from this Washington Spirit team gives them complete control of this game whether they're in possession have the ball or not the current now with the free kick from Deep deeper [Applause] tasked with helping this team find some answers and creating chances de Bernardo sends it long headed Away by Rodman who will let that one roll out of bounds for a Casey throwin on the far side you got to wonder how many minutes how many more minutes Rodman will play in this game well a deserved goal for her because of the work we called much more of her name defensively in that first half helping back mat in particular making her life much easier you got to love Lori the little hair flip after the goal just a player who already has exuded so much confidence brings so much flare and personality but you got to imagine she is riding such a high right now for the performance she had at the Olympics and what this team accomplished as well well especially in a goal scoring category because that's what we're used to seeing from try Rodman and this year the big talking point is yeah we've always seen the defensive work that she's going to put in as well but the assist that she's supplied being a connector doing some of the different things that allows other players to shine and so now with that extra confidence from the Olympics the the massive part that she played and them winning the gold medal all of the pieces really coming together so much more seamlessly for try Rodman it's been fun to watch playing in a bit of a deeper role as well at times just being asked to to shift back on that right side as more of a outside midfielder well Laura you just talked about Rodman's numbers at the Olympics but she wasn't alone in that productivity she is just one part of what was then dubbed Triple Espresso and the iconic attack for the US Women's National team with Rodman Sophia Smith mallerie Swanson all players in the nwsl Rodman and Smith both with three goals and Swanson Leading The Way with four and all three of those players bagged some assists as well the productivity and the variety of goal scoring that came from those three there were so many questions going into the Olympics about the goal scoring for this US Women's National Team where those chances would come from who would step up and well we got the answer triple shot and there she is with a goal on the day and six now on the season in the nwsl add that to four assists and now 10 goal contributions for Trinity Rodman part part of a different Triple Espresso I guess you could say with this Washington Spirit side one of those pieces down on the ground now uar who's picked up some bumps and bruises on a couple of occasions in this game oh yes players taking a chance now to get a little bit more water and regroup as we've got so much nwsl action coming up for you and later tonight we close out the weekend from Seattle as the rain take on the North Carolina courage at 10 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2 then next week again we kick things off from Providence Park as Olympic gold medalist Sophia Smith and the Portland Thorns host Bay FC on Friday at 10 p.m. Eastern exclusively on Prime Saturday the nwsl on ION double header gets started with racing Louisville taking on Seattle rain followed by the Houston Dash hosting the Utah Royals coverage begins at 700 p.m. Eastern on ION and to watch more games and follow your favorite team check out the schedule on nwsl soccer.com here come the current deia her cross deflected out for a corner casy getting a lot of looks from The Corner Spot and with free kicks but unable to really find anything dangerous in this game you got to give the spirit a lot of credit not just for their effectiveness around goal today but also defensively making it hard for Casey to get any solid looks [Applause] de Bernardo plays it short to cooper cooper whips it in cleared away goes all the way back to ad [Music] French and any team Lor is going to be happy with a 3-0 lead and any point but for Jonathan heraldez it probably gives him a little bit extra confidence if he needs to pull out a trinity Rodman and reserve some of her energy as she you know looks to work her way back into club play now knowing that this isn't a close game at this point yeah I mean it's a great execution of the game plan and we just saw in that last picture too as uh Kansas City tried to play that ball into the central areas into shinga and you got two or three players around her and at times it look like a 442 but also a 532 really forcing Kansas City to have to play in the wide areas and they haven't taken it they just keep forcing down the Midfield where Washington has coverage and just creating the turnovers they really haven't had to have much in the way of the attack either to continue to send numbers forward Washington because Kansas City hasn't had that threat that we typically see back and forth or was shwing trying to get into behind really limited that all game long pathon Santos can't break through de Bernardo plays a nice ball forward but not in the path of shinga or DEA as that one was recovered well by boutel basaga with nice step but doesn't produce much as Spirit win it back Ace with a strong effort but not enough that's been the theme of the day for Kansas City not enough in just individual moments of this matchup [Music] [Music] [Applause] KC have a player down as the ball comes back for a Kansas City free kick they'll restart quickly [Music] a lot of pressure there from Cy bethon who was able to strip Mace of the ball but cook there to recover keeps that run going as Haley mace taking a ground [Music] [Music] de Bernardo looking for options forced backwards and Central to cook tries to feed it up the middle one back by the spirit [Music] Santos is a fun addition to compliment the front line at a little deception to the way that she plays has been excellent just following her with Colombia a nice ball through here comes shinga shinga Kansas City have pulled one back and shinga has her 13th goal of the Season well really just against the the Run of Play Can't Kan city and never count shinga out just with her presence even if she's defending you can see the position she's taken up and just in between the two Center back think it's on the wrong side of bell never going to miss from this position just toe pokes it life of an attacker doesn't need to get a good look on it just whatever she can and I love that little quick release from shinga gets it past kingsberry at the last second she's in a good position in this set because I don't think she expects it to come so quickly with am of number numbers and Defenders around her three against one but shinga makes them pay gets one back and all of a sudden with a high powerered offens of this Kansas City team and the substitutions that they're making game back on never count them out couple of substitutions coming for Kansas City Vanessa de Bernardo who is on a yellow right now she's replaced by Nichelle prince who is back from the Olympics with Canada and the other change comes in the form of Jer Co who becomes the first Kenyan to play in the nwsl the latest signing for the Kansas City current the national team captain for the Kenyan national team making her nwsl debut she replaces Claire Hutton a lot of excitement around this player one that glatco andonovski calls very technical and not just a signing Lori for this season but a signing that they hope is going to be a key part of their future as Jer is signed through the 2025 season with an option for 2026 and Jericho will be tasked right now with helping spark a comeback for the current they pulled one back through temo shinga the leading goal scorer in the nwsl who is offside there on another attempt forward by the current go is a smart switch from vaco and ninowski right now just to to Reen re-energize the Midfield for the Kansas City current but Jericho as well knowing that Clare Hunton is going to be leaving tomorrow after this game or directly after this game to meet up with the u20 US team for the World Cup being played down in Colombia so they know that they're going to need extra midfielders to be able to fill that void with Hutton playing such a significant role throughout this season ball one back in the middle of the park Jericho plays it through header Michelle Prince right at Kingsbury but already a good showing for some of the new additions into this game for the current [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] here come Kansas City Cooper pushes it wide Jericho one times it over the bar the execution of that final pass not what Jericho wants but great positioning and those are the what those are the moments that we've been talking about throughout this game that Kansas City should be continuing to look for is find the space in the wide areas right outside the 18 Yard Box let's go because so far throughout this game Washington has been able just to stay centrally compact defensively haven't really been forced to have to make the decision am I going to step out and deny the service because they haven't been utilizing the width continue to find that space that those are the questions that you ask and then all of a sudden more space opens up in the central areas for the runs of dein labant shinga can buy a little bit more time Inside the sixy Box Jericho with a poor touch in the attempted pass to [Music] Cooper deia Under Pressure she loses it bethon driving forward SAR making a run slips it through SAR AC cross bethon is [Applause] there bethon tries to fire it back across intercepted by the current and that's the defensive presence I was talking about with Jonathan heraldez just his his desire to improve out of possession and and they almost invite the pressure nice little and yep and then bait Defenders then create these opportunities Rodman with another strike blocked bager clears it up towards shinga the focal point of this Kansas City attack shinga driving forward plays it across no one there as dein was late with her run and Cooper had a player [Music] honor let's go spirit [Applause] mace into Jericho deia with a clever little touch back to shinga Jericho tries to fire off a shot and it goes just wide at the target has Kansas City look for more in this game to spark a comeback and who else would get the first goal but Tima shinga who has her 13th goal of the Season Lori and a goal now in six straight League games which ties the nwsl record and shinga no strangered records this season yeah and it starts with that ball that's played into her though just on an angle so she can run on to it Defenders are are watching the ball she cuts in and gets on the wrong side right in between the two center backs and then love that toe pooke know she doesn't need a ton to get something on it if it's a quick release it'll get past kingsberry does that cuts the lead and still Chase in this game but shinga continues to be the handful and the threat in the attack for Kansas City here come the Spirit Santos dribbles into a two-player wall of Kansas City deia keeps it in play yeah shut it down shut it down bab shut it down boy all right you love when the mics pick up the fans getting into the action today page the day or player of the week let's go one of the biggest crowds this season at Audi field as another substitution coming this time for the spirit Cy bethon her day is done she had an assist on the day and now 10 on the season which ties Tobin Heath for the record of most in a single season she's replaced by Roseman kasasi let's take a look at this play here and the buildup the assist from Croy Bon I love the Direction She's pointing to SAR where she wants to be able to play the ball and but it's perfectly weighted and and that's what separates her her ability to score goals she could play out wide we saw the majority of her today she can play in that attacking Midfield role but the weight of her passes that's what separated 10 assists on the season just such a fun player to watch and that another another element to the attack of Washington and why they're flying high this season and game quasi makes her nwsl debut she played in that 2-1 friendly loss at the Spirit played against Arsenal which geraldes said was a great test for this team and joins via a transfer from France's top division and already getting a little welcome from Kansas City to the nwsl taken down by cook who has shown a yellow [Music] card so second yellow in this game both coming for Kansas City [Music] [Applause] players Andy Sullivan from the near side touch line sends it in long headed Away by by cook okay okay ball across and that ball is in Lacy Santos scores in her nwsl regular season debut the spirit lead 4-1 and Udi [Applause] field there just a route here Audi field for the in his spirit and a lot of it just starts with their energy to keep plays alive do what they can to get to the ball first here it is Gabby Carl just applying the pressure she gets to it first as a tight angle keeps it alive and then what a brilliant first touch that is because Santos has a lot to do it's coming in with Pace it bounces right before but she takes it down so well to set herself up and then does the rest great connection far post four to one just like that to the Washington spirit this game put to bed immediately just with that response they concede earlier to shinga but then bounce back with her substitutes create some more energy and even more separation in this score [Music] line and really from the opening whistle Al execution of the game plan energy with their press limiting shinga to Mater's had an excellent game M yo just a backline for the Washington spirit in general up for the challenge today all smiles for Lacy Santos what a goal that is and her nwsl regular season debut and is doing what they need to do and lot of excitement around this young team for the Washington spirit it's important to note now as it's almost a dangerous little chance there for kasasi important to note that heraldez in just two regular season games Spirit have seven goals scored and just one conceded it's a small sample size Lori but how high is the ceiling do you think for the spirit under geraldes yeah incredibly High because you look at bringing on kasasi her ability to be able to break lines as well is going to be so important but they continue I think there's just little nuances the way that they have put this team together in the Acquisitions that they have brought in there's so many different nuances that complement one another but then also create opportunities and problems for the opposition and it's just fun to watch and then you have the predictability of solivan how hirsh felt you have the pieces that allow the front four to really shine and do what they do but everybody's bought in we talked about triny Rodman time and time again still on the field the work that she's put in defensively today SAR dropping back in yes a giveaway there but they're put in the work they're making it predictable that allows for Cooper gets a shot off Saved By Kingsbury and that allows for the rist and then the more threats going forward because they're willing to put that work in behind the [Applause] ball the current not losing a core of players in the same way that the spe did during the Olympic break and found success during that time winning the women's Cup going undefeated in the inaugural summer cup and now struggling in the first game back of League Play The Ultimate Prize of course Lori is making it to the nwl championship and winning a title if you're Kansas City right now where's your concern level with this performance and how against have gone today well the only concern is one how do you limit some of the sakes because this is a Washington Spirit team that is going to punish you so if you're not to in to your defensive responsibilities winning the individual battles as we are going to see the hydration break as we'll step aside as well for a quick minute to grab a drink of water ourselves we'll see you back here in just a sec hydration break has concluded and the action is just about to resume the spirit of 4-1 over the Casey current a dominant performance today and some substitutions coming as well Ashley Hatch will replace Lacy Santos who scored in her debut and bagged an assist as well so a good day for the Colombian International as she makes her presence known in the nwsl Trinity Rodman her day is done as well and hey another goal for the Trin spin who is playing with so much confidence at the moment she's replaced by Britney Ratcliffe and the current making some substitutions as well Kristen Hamilton will replace Michelle Cooper up top on that right hand side and Bailey Feist checking into the game as she will replace DEA on the day current hoping for a spark from their bench as they Trail the spirit 4 One what a day for Washington who look to now Leap Frog Kansas City in the standings and on the day now have 14 different goal scores it all got started with with Paige mat in the first half early on Lacy Santos the most recent goal scorer with her first goal of the Season back post Kansas City can't convert look like the offside flag was up go as Ule SAR another goal scorer on the day 36 goals now this season which ties a single season Club record for the Washington spirit and that goal scoring has been spread around by 14 different goal scorers and four different goal scorers today here at Audi field given the fans a show as part of a fun double header Chelsea Arsenal facing off at 400 p.m. a record crowd expected how fun is this kind of stuff Lori for the game and the growth of the game especially oh my goodness it is is so fun and I think the the major note in that previous stat of um for the Washington spirit is that there's nine games left yeah so there's so much time at left to go in this season already breaking reg regular season record so credit to them and and what this team looks like in the attack and and what they've done out of possession today because I just want to revisit that previous point before the hydration break you talked about is it's going to be Bailey fight trying to get on the end of it plays it acoss cross wheeler making the Run dealt with by the spirit as they have done all game long and Jericho called for the foul and the point that I want to revisit is just what does this look like for Kansas City and one they have to limit some of the mistakes cuz that second goal there's the foul but the the second goal that they conceded that really started forcing them to chase this game was the fact that they had easy given aways easy giveaways right into the path that allowed for Cory Bon to be able to pick off the pass and then run and find SAR so limiting their mistakes but then also in the attack when teams limit shinga when they limit DEA are defending quite well against them then what's the second iteration because we do know they want to go fast they want to find shinga in behind but is there a level of sophistication where they can start to move the ball around be a bit more patient keep the ball in possession and break teams down that way because teams are going to start to defend in a different way against Kansas City in terms of they're going to press at times and then they're going to get numbers back and if they don't find the width if they don't move it around and rotate the ball then they're going to be easily defended as we've seen here today and there was no answer in the attack the most limited attack that we've seen from Kansas City throughout this season just one shot on target for KC in the first half which was the lowest that they've had all season long and it's not going to be an easy Road from here seven of 's last 10 are against teams currently in a playoff position and they've also got to face this team Washington Spirit when they welcome them to their home field during this final stretch of games so it's a very defining stretch and a stretch that that guy right there blacko anovi is going to want to make sure his team is prepared for learning lessons from games like today which can only make you better Lori down this final run and the same can be said for Washington Spirit who looked to have only gotten stronger boat with who they've got in charge now and Jonathan heraldez some of the additions and of course the players returning from the Olympics with some Newfound confidence especially after winning Olympic gold with the United States here's Andy Sullivan from the corner flag Sullivan cleared Away by the current only as far as Ratcliffe SAR with a header which Falls comfortably to franch French certainly not peppered with chances today from the spirit but man when they have been in and around the area they have been affected and here they come [Applause] again as kassi on the ground grabbing at her upper chest and neck area receiving some attention there on the ground as we get another look the foul committed by labant on the right call yeah labant just going in knows she's been beat there's the the big touch guian yeah from that angle too you see labant just the forearm elbow getting right into the the neck of kaasi wasi and her nwsl debut we're going to be touched on some of the additions for both teams during pregame but with a player like kasasi what does she add for this Washington Spirit side well dynamism dynamism we saw a little bit in their previous game against Arsenal last weekend and her ability to run it back lines as well but also in combination she'll do the work back defensively but also gives them a threat and I think when you think about the tight margins in this league and how important these games are down the stretch want to have a variance in the way that you can approach games and she gives them an additional look if you need to reintegrate players in minutes in terms of restriction depending and have the ability you can play her a little bit deeper as an attacking midfielder or is in the in the wide Winger position as well so versatility is what we're seeing for this Washington Spirit team and as of note Cy bethon typically occupying that attacking Midfield role found herself a little bit wider but they will have the freedom to run roam find the game and it's going to be fun to watch how all of these pieces start to come together wheeler plays it across clearance only as far as Jericho who lets one rip shot is blocked what did you think of bethon today out wide Asar is down again getting helped up oh I like it I I think it allows her at times and one of the things that she does really well is find space and where she can buy herself little a little bit of time and not get pressure there's the the previous Challenge and not get pressure committed to her right away just from the the spacing and the positions that she takes up and when you have a starting position that's out wide typically you might be able to buy yourself even more time but they will allow her to float in and then whether it's Casey Krueger Carl at times they playing that left back position we know that's where they want to get width they want to get that left back into advanced position so it will allow for corathon to be able to pinching at times and occupy those Central areas so it's going to be fun to watch depending on what her starting position is again who's starting next to her but what we've seen throughout this season and not even just in this game is that there's a wonderful connection with that front four really good in combination and Sullivan driving forward individually as [Applause] well Carl combining with Sullivan on the nearest side Carl whips it into the box franch is out ball is loose and two KC players down on the ground as cook and Boger slow to make their way [Applause] up looks like the referee is going to whistle for some training staff to come out and take a look at Boger as we'll take another look at the play well there's the left back of Carl ooh getting higher up yeah and it's a a really you see SAR getting herself into position through traffic and then at the last second kaasi and bis Saga colliding heads they're trying to pull come out oh that is a a a really tough challenge gasi with the momentum going forward trying to get something on it B Saga trying to pull out of it as she knows she's not the one that's going to get on the end of it head injuries of course always taken seriously AER going through the concussion protocol B Sager jogging back on her feet looks to be okay to resume play as we are nearing the final moments of this game a thrilling one for the Washington spirit and one that leaves some questions to be answered for the Kansas City current [Music] back [Music] underway lonto trying to find something forward but dealt with yet again by the spirit as we are now in stoppage time presented by Nationwide 9 minutes added Here Comes kasasi shut down by [Applause] balager Carl forced out by Jericho as looks like player is down and SAR as we'll take another look at what happened coming together of leant and [Music] SAR riding that yellow card just gets the better of sar's right foot there [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] another foul on Kansas City this time just outside penalty area Ashley Hatch taken to ground one of the second half substitutions for the spirit [Applause] [Music] [Music] geraldez still giving some instruction as both teams get set Sullivan standing over the ball Sullivan plays it in Runners punched Away by French ball played across headed Away by the current Jericho well tell you what any place that this Washington Spirit team puts Mata she continues to ex cute last year coming in as a rookie sitting next to Andy Sullivan did a a really good job as we've seen today she can cover a lot of ground up and down the field doesn't look to ever Tire Great engine but today win needed defensively keeps her feet moving really limited TOA throughout and then obviously the go-ahead goal to to start off the scoring campaign for Washington in this game she's been excellent wherever they've needed her she really has executed and performed at a high level and I think it's some injuries down the stretch and when they need her slipped into that right back position incredibly well spirit in stopage time getting closer to picking up all three points today they were sitting on 34 coming into the match and we'll get a little bit closer to the team everyone is chasing the Orlando Pride Who Remain undefeated on top of the table with 41 [Music] [Applause] [Music] points sha mace [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] just about 5 minutes remaining in stoppage time bis Sager plays it in as it rolls through the space and Out Pass behind the goal for a goal kick I think the biggest thing out will be what does the response look like for Kansas City they're going to North Carolina next weekend and how do they regroup because this is a a a big win big deficit for them to take right outside of the the Olympic break and we've mentioned throughout this broadcast on how they were one of the only teams that really kept the majority of their team together and attacked played meaningful games contined to to grow as a group and really outplayed throughout this entire entire 90 minute entire 90 minutes today so how do they respond first big deficit second in a row for Kansas City headed into next weekend and both coaches when we talked to them this week really touched on the fine margins of the game and getting better as a whole knowing that you can't just rest on what you've done so far there's still a ways to go left in this season even if it is starting to wind down a bit but Lor one of the keys for heraldez coming into today was getting better out of possession how would you assess the way that they've done that today and and what signs of growth this team is showing under him excellent they were excellent in terms of limiting this attack which is the best attack in terms of goal scoring coming into this game we're going to see the other yellow cards to limit them to the shots that they have taken just the lack of chances they've had through throughout this game H is just you know indicative of the work that they've been putting in through the time that har aldes has been here and and we saw it in in different phases because they will press they'll put you under pressure higher up the field especially with that front group and then they'll also drop off and they'll make it predictable for themselves they'll stay compact they get Trinity Rodman doing the work and then as soon as they win they'll go so the defensive work turns into their attack as well leant sends it in Wheeler there can't get enough on it as king Kingsbury goes to ground to stop that one at her near post hasn't been a particularly busy day for Kingsbury but when she's been asked to make a save or make the easy save she's been able to do [Music] so outside of shinga who hey if shinga scores on you I don't know she's been able to score on most Keepers in this [Music] league just a couple minutes remaining in this [Music] game Ratcliffe was pushing forward casy win the ball wheeler trying to play out almost gives it away gets some help to clear it up field Sullivan into SAR Here Comes kasasi kasasi staying with it goes to ground no call he's looked good in a small sample so far for the spirit if there's an acclamation period That's typically recommended well you could put that out the door for her because she's looked good in limited minutes so far making her nwsl debut today and for Kansas City Lori you know early in the season giving up goals was something that was almost the repercussion of the high pressing attacking w that they wanted to play but today does it feel a little different and what are some of the concerns watching how this game has gone down for them on the defensive side well I also think to to say that their concerns is too early for that that's why I mentioned what is going to be the response headed into next weekend because they're going to need that right that's essentially two League games that they've lost in a row Orlando top team so mind you and uh give that to this Kansas City team but really I think it's all about the way that Washington approach this game at home bring their Olympians back [Music]