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Jeff Kassouf
WASHINGTON — The Washington Spirit showcased a survival mentality during Saturday’s NWSL quarterfinal at Audi Field, successfully advancing to the semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Despite star forward Trinity Rodman remaining on the bench and two starting defenders sidelined due to injuries, the Spirit controlled the first half against the No. 7 seed Racing Louisville FC, only to concede an equalizer deep into stoppage time of the second half.
After a goalless extra time, the match was decided by penalty kicks, where goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury played a crucial role, leading the Spirit to a 3-1 victory in the shootout.
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Gift Monday kicked off the scoring for the Spirit in the 73rd minute, but despite dominating over 70% possession during regulation, the Spirit saw a late goal from Racing Louisville forward Kayla Fischer that forced the match into extra time.
“I had faith because there was no way we could lose this game,” said Spirit head coach Adrián González. “The players deserve all the credit. They kept pushing forward. That’s been our mentality.”
Washington is set to host either the Portland Thorns or the San Diego Wave in next week’s semifinal at Audi Field.
Rodman was deemed questionable and available as a substitute but watched the entire game from the bench without warming up prior to or during the match.
González refrained from confirming any specific plans for Rodman’s participation, stating, “It’s a matter of feeling things out in the moment.” He expressed cautious optimism regarding Rodman’s recovery process.
“She’s been making great progress,” González noted. “Her hard work has allowed her to be on the bench today. She’s really putting in the effort.”
On Saturday, Rodman took on the role of an enthusiastic teammate and crowd motivator. She was among the first to rush onto the field following Kingsbury’s decisive saves in the shootout that secured the Spirit’s semifinal spot.
“Her presence was vital for the team, the fans, and for her,” González added. “She can contribute in various ways, and today she showed great leadership. We are taking it one day at a time, but the positive news is she’s improving significantly.”
Last month, Rodman sprained her right knee’s MCL, an injury that sidelined her for the last two matches of the NWSL regular season and what would have been her first international camp in nearly six months. A recurring back issue also kept her out for a large portion of the season.
The Spirit’s success in the shootout gives Rodman more time to recover, although the team’s injury woes intensified during the match.
Starting fullback Gabby Carle exited with a hamstring injury in the first half, and center-back Tara McKeown left the field due to a right ankle injury during extra time, later seen on crutches in the stadium tunnel.
Monday’s goal came just weeks after her father passed away. After spending time with her family in Nigeria, she rejoined the Spirit earlier this week.
“Football brings me joy regardless of my circumstances … I have to keep moving forward,” Monday stated. She dedicated her goal to the Spirit fans and her late father.
“He was my first coach and shaped who I am,” she expressed. “He taught me perseverance, and had I not returned and scored, I might have carried some unresolved grief. This goal signifies my father’s presence with me, providing strength to continue. It’s a testament to that bond.”
Although Monday’s goal was not the decisive one, the Spirit triumphed in a penalty shootout with an enthusiastic crowd of 19,215 in attendance.
Kingsbury starred in this high-pressure moment for the second consecutive year. Last year, she saved all three penalty attempts in the shootout against NJ/NY Gotham FC during the semifinal.
This time, she denied attempts from Marisa DiGrande and Ary Borges, while a shot from Ellie Jean struck the crossbar, yet her teammates successfully converted all three penalties. Kingsbury is now the all-time leader in NWSL history with nine career penalty shootout saves.
“I think it’s definitely in their heads,” Kingsbury acknowledged about opponents’ apprehension stemming from her shootout success. “But I owe a lot of credit to our fans. Their noise is incredibly intimidating for shooters.”
Data from ESPN Research contributed to this report.