October 15 saw the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) sides North Carolina Courage and the Washington Spirit go head to head at Audi Field in the US capital. Ultimately the 1-0 result to the away team will see the Washington Spirit miss out on the playoffs.
North Carolina Courage Crush the Playoff Hopes of the Washington Spirit
𝐖𝐄’𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍
Don’t miss out on @NWSL Playoff action at WakeMed Soccer Park- get your tickets today
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) October 15, 2023
Much like the last time the two sides faced off in July, the Washington Spirit had an unfortunate run in with their North Carolina counterparts where they lost 6-0. It was because of the their previous encounter that the match had a sense of redemption about it for the Washington Spirit, being on home soil. Both teams came into the match with thirty points.
The game was full of twists and turns with several injury calls and a red card. In the first half, it was clear that the North Carolina Courage had found their offensive advantage as Manaka and Kerolin worked together, capitalizing on the right side of the pitch.
Trinity Rodman’s Unfortunate Evening
The US National Women’s Team (USWNT) player, Trinity Rodman often within a brief moment, would carry the ball down the field. However, the first half would see her receive a red card that could have spelled her absence from the playoffs had the Washington Spirit advanced. Nonetheless her red card still meant the temporary exit of one of the league’s best players. It could be heard in the audience that many disapproved of this call impacting their star player.
After VAR review, Trinity Rodman has been awarded a red card
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) October 15, 2023
Rodman’s absence was immediately felt, indeed, mere minutes after her exit from the pitch, Tyler Lussi scored the first and only goal of the match for North Carolina bringing the total score to 1-0.
Ashley Hatch and Oleymata Sarr Fill the Rodman Void
It goes without saying that Rodman’s red card left a void within the Washington Spirit offense. Three people in particular stood out following her departure, these were, Oleymata Sarr, and Ashley Hatch. This was shown with Hatch providing several assists to Sarr, culminating in an attempt on goal close to halftime as the two stood their ground on their home turf.
Kerolin’s Exit and Its Impact
READ MORE: Preview: Washington Spirit Vs. North Carolina Courage On Sunday
Much like Rodman, worry struck the North Carolina Courage when Kerolin was escorted off the pitch after being clipped by Dorian Bailey. Although it was another unexpected development, Manaka continued without her offensive partner. Shortly after, Brittany Ratcliffe would sub on for North Carolina, receiving a yellow card two minutes later, another blow for the side. Caution was exercised by North Carolina as shown by the replacement of imperative match players such as Lussi and Manaka so as to conserve their energy and avoid injury.
Manaka
@tyler_lussi for the opener
pic.twitter.com/vkg0hjMjzJ
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) October 15, 2023
Things are looking up for the North Carolina Courage as they proceed to the playoffs and will now face NJ/NY Gotham FC. On the other hand, the Washington Spirit will not have the same opportunity, and will work to improve their game tactics.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports, of a Tyler Lussi Headshot, on October 15, 2023.
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