- Ashley Sanchez - 19'
Ashley Sanchez's early goal lifts Courage over Spirit
Ashley Sanchez scores the opening goal for the Courage
Ashley Sanchez tallies the first goal of the game for the Courage with a long-range shot to the top corner vs. the Spirit.
The North Carolina Courage secured a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at Audi Field on Saturday, thanks to an early strike from Ashley Sanchez.
Sanchez's right-footed shot from a difficult angle in the 19th minute made the difference.
Washington had several opportunities to equalize. Trinity Rodman and Ouleymata Sarr were particularly active for the Spirit, with Rodman having multiple shots saved by Casey Murphy.
In the second half, the Spirit brought on fresh legs with Makenna Morris and Heather Stainbrook entering in place of Gabrielle Carle and Paige Metayer, respectively, around the 63rd minute mark. Despite those changes and sustained pressure from players such as Ashley Hatch, who replaced Croix Bethune later on, Washington couldn't break through.
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Game Information
- Referees:
- Rebeca Pagan
NWSL Standings
Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orlando Pride | 24 | 17 | 6 | 1 | +27 | 57 |
Washington Spirit | 23 | 15 | 2 | 6 | +17 | 47 |
NJ/NY Gotham FC | 23 | 14 | 5 | 4 | +14 | 47 |
Kansas City Current | 23 | 13 | 7 | 3 | +20 | 46 |
North Carolina Courage | 23 | 12 | 2 | 9 | +8 | 38 |
Chicago Red Stars | 23 | 10 | 2 | 11 | -1 | 32 |
Portland Thorns FC | 24 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 0 | 31 |
Bay FC | 23 | 9 | 1 | 13 | -11 | 28 |
Racing Louisville FC | 23 | 6 | 7 | 10 | -2 | 25 |
San Diego Wave FC | 23 | 5 | 7 | 11 | -8 | 22 |
Angel City FC | 23 | 7 | 4 | 12 | -10 | 22 |
Utah Royals | 23 | 6 | 3 | 14 | -18 | 21 |
Seattle Reign FC | 23 | 5 | 5 | 13 | -14 | 20 |
Houston Dash | 23 | 4 | 5 | 14 | -22 | 17 |