Originally published May 18, 2014
The Washington Spirit won a hard fought match against the Western New York Flash 3-2 Saturday night at the SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland in front of 4,598 fans. The Spirit came into the match on a two game losing streak. Additionally, the Spirit lost their home opener to the Flash 3-1 only five weeks ago. Coming into this game with a strong mentality was crucial for the squad. “Mark did a great job refocusing us this week,” noted midfielder Diana Matheson. “I think we came in ready to work despite our record so far and I think this is the first game where we really showed who we are.” The Spirit made some major changes from a tactical and personnel perspective. Parsons kept his favored 4-3-3 formation, but inverted the midfield triangle from two holding midfielders to two attacking midfielders. Notably, the change in positioning put players a bit higher up the pitch throughout the game, which allowed for better service to forward Jodie Taylor. Parsons shifted defender Ali Krieger from her usual spot at right back over to center back. Krieger noted that the last time she played center back was during her senior year at Penn State when she won Big-10 defensive player of the year.
Krieger’s positioning in the center of the pitch allowed her to better organize the Spirit backline. “It isn’t difficult from the right side, but I could see the game a little bit better,” said Krieger. “I think my voice was heard a little bit more from the center of the pitch and we needed that tonight.” Parsons effusively praised his captain “to have a performance like that from a captain and someone sitting as a center back in a different position was massive and gave us a platform to get a result tonight.” The Spirit took an early lead in the 11th minute when Lori Lindsey played a ball over the top of the Flash backline to Jodie Taylor who expertly chipped Flash goalkeeper Kelsey Wys who had come off her line. The Spirit only lasted seven minutes before giving up an equalizer. With just Spirit defender Tori Huster nearby, Wambach leapt to connect with a well placed cross from Vicky Losada to draw the Flash level with the Spirit 1-1 in the 18th minute. The Flash took a 2-1 lead in the 30th minute thanks to a workman-like goal from Carli Lloyd. Flash head coach Aaran Lines succinctly described his team’s second goal, “it was a typical Carli Lloyd goal. In that moment it was grit and determination to get past two or three defenders and a lovely finish.”
Parsons made a crucial substitution to start the second half. Matheson replaced Bianca Sierra. Consequently, Matheson moved to Dunn’s spot on the wing and Dunn slotted back to replace Sierra as right back. The change allowed the Spirit to essentially shut down Sonia Bermudez for the remainder of the game. Through six weeks in the NWSL, Crystal Dunn has played myriad positions on the field. Her versatility is a massive asset for the Spirit as they continue to deal with injuries and a light bench. But Dunn doesn’t seem bothered by the constant movement. “Honestly, it doesn’t really phase me. I am happy to play where I am needed,” said Dunn. Matheson provided a spark to the Spirit attack and helped apply consistent pressure on the Flash backline. Coming off the bench isn’t something Matheson is used to doing, but she noted there are some positives to coming off the bench. “I think when you come off the bench you may be more excited because you have seen the work your teammates have put in and you are excited to contribute to that.” The changes paid off as the Spirit dominated the second half. The Spirit had 13 shots (6 on goal), while the Flash only took 3 shots (2 on goal). In the 70th minute, there was a series of deflections and touches in front of net that eventually resulted in a goal for the Spirit as a shot from Jodie Taylor ricocheted off the crossbar down to the head of Kat Williamson and back into the net to make it 2-2. Eight minutes later, the Spirit clinched the win with a birthday brace from Taylor who beat Wys to a ball just in front of goal. Her tap in put the Spirit up 3-2.
There was a notable incident in the 86th minute involving Wambach and Spirit defender Tori Huster. Huster has her back to Wambach as Ashlyn Harris holds the ball. Wambach runs toward Harris and deliberately knocks Huster who subsequently dropped to the ground. Huster appeared flustered and upset after the hit from Wambach and Spirit captain Krieger had a word with the referee who ultimately decided to let play continue with no action. Unless the Spirit, PRO, or the league asks the disciplinary committee to review the incident, it will not be reviewed.
Wambach and Huster in the 86th minute
After the game Lloyd, Wambach, and Lines all noted they felt the Flash were incredibly flat in the second half. “I thought the minute the whistle blew in the second half, we just couldn’t get out of our end,” said Lloyd. “When they are pinning us in our end for 15 to 20 minutes, eventually they are going to get some momentum out of that and they did.” Wambach highlighted the importance of having other players step up in games like last night. “Moving forward, I think when Carli and I are both on the field that doesn’t mean that other players can’t step up and play big games for us and I think that’s a lesson to be learned,” Wambach said. “Carli and I are great players obviously, we’re on the national team, we have experience, we’ve been playing this for many years, but the other players, the Vicky Losada’s, the Sonia’s, they need to step up and play as well when we’re not on the field as when we’re on the field.”
Lines didn’t specifically call out any players, but he did note there will definitely be changes to the lineup for the Flash’s midweek game against the Portland Thorns. The Spirit are now 3-4-0 on the season, while the Flash have dropped to 3-2-1. Washington doesn’t have much time to recover as their face Sky Blue FC at home this Wednesday at 7 PM. The Flash had back out on the road to face Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday.
