NWSL 2024. Washington Spirit vs Kansas City Current (Aug 25)

[Music] the nation's capital welcomes back the nwsl regular season Olympic Champions headline gold medals Galore as the Washington Spirit hosts the Kansas City current this Sunday afternoon in the district number two and number three in the league table getting set to battle for the first time this regular season and oh by the way it's a double header day at a field as well hi everybody Welcome Aboard thanks for joining us alongside Renee Washington I'm Drew Casey and Renee as warm-ups conclude and we get set for the opening kick in just a moment the Olympic break over returning to regular season action today and both of these sides expected to bring that high Firepower offense that we saw through the first 16 matches yeah these are two of the highest scoring offenses in the league and that's because they also have a number of the highest scoring players in league for Kansas City it's TMA chwinga who's in a battle for the Golden Boot race with 12 goals six assists uar leads Washington with seven goals you've got Cory withun for Washington who's also leading all rookies with her five goals nine assists it's some Firepower and oh yeah Kansas City also has 17 different players that has scored so it should be a great offensive matchup with a lot of talent creativity and it's going to come down to probably who can defend better better against these Playmakers 17 different goal scores for Kansas City that's already a league record we've only played 16 regular season matches with 26 on the regular season on tap that number could perhaps get over 20 and what's been a fantastic season at 35 points for Kansas City current 101 and five Washington checks in just one point behind with 34 love the first touch coming up in just a moment here in Washington DC in just a moment [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] he [Music] wor and Rock [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] getting ever closer to resuming the regular season for Washington and Kansas City and as we were just mentioning wow the offensive Firepower is all over the field for both of these teams as we start to take a look at the starting lineups first for the spirit and this has been a strong start to the year 114 And1 34 points have lost three in a row in terms of all competitions but everybody essentially is back at this point yeah when you look at the starting lineups uh it's two teams that their match up for second place at this game is for for Washington Spirit they're going to be led by Trinity Rodman ulea and Cory Bon up top such an a trio of talent they also have anchoring their Midfield Andy Sullivan Hal herfel and La Santos is going to be pivotal for winning that Midfield battle and then with Aubrey Kingsbury in net this is a unit that's going to rely heavily on their defensive play KY Krueger Paige mat they're going to need a lot from their back line to match up with the current Firepower Rodin Krueger and bethon all gold medalists for the United United States herselt was an alternate and did not get into a contest all back for Washington on the other side let's go to Kansas City the current surprisingly necessarily given their success in nwsl this season not a ton of players left shinga at the top and this group has been together they've won six since the last regular season matchup yeah and they're going to look to High Press with TMA shinga and zinia they're actually going to have Michelle Cooper as head coach blacko anow mentioned dropped a little bit more playing a bit more conservatively but in their Midfield that's also going to be a big battle to keep an eye on on it's LOL la Vanessa de Bernardo as well as Clare Hutton who are going to be angering their mids and then for ad French it's going to be huge for this backline with the new addition Alana cook making her debut in regular season play for Kansas City as well take a look at the standings both of these teams near the top two and three both on 16 at the moment so if there's a three-point result for Washington would move ahead of Kansas City into second break that tie with Gotham and the current can get back within three points of Orlando with three that was a match up that was the last regular season game for Kansas City but it is tight at the top and these two teams deservedly so near that top of the table as we're nearing single digits left in the remainder of the regular season every game is crucial and this is exactly that match up for second place stay close to Orlando and also see of course if you can jump the table a little bit more so huge match up today that also is going to have the feel of what's going to feel like a playoff atmosphere yeah certainly the case expecting a very very large crowd here at Audi field today a very exciting day across the International world of women's soccer it was just a little bit more than a week ago that Arsenal was in town for a friendly against Washington and coming up later it's going to be Arsenal and Chelsea doing battle on the women's side and FanFest throughout the day it'll come up later perhaps one of the largest crowds in club history expected could get above 15,000 maybe push 20 we'll just have to wait and see when everything is all said and done later but a great patch up to start with Washington and Kansas City I love this double header this is a amazing to see for the league you had Chelsea play Gotham earlier this week Arsenal played the Washington spirits and now Arsenal and Chelsea get to go up against each other you get a fantastic matchup in Kansas City vers Washington which not only a playoff game who knows this could be a a final that we see in this league this is a an exciting day for soccer it should be a fun one right now two and three if both teams were to move through in the hypothetical playoff starting tomorrow they would play in the semis but very easily could find themselves for the ultimate trophy coming up just a little bit later on couple of months back welcome back to the nwsl nearly 50 days between regular season contests for both squads both teams have been playing a bunch Kansas City played six times since the last regular season game and they won all six Washington playing four times including that friendly with with Arsenal one win and three defeats but a lot of pieces gone with the Olympics six players for Washington and three for Kansas City yeah I like how both coaching staffs talked in length about just the progression they saw from their team it wasn't even just about one individual player getting better as a unit they were wanting to get better on everything and there was not one specific area that they felt like had to be the focus and I think they definitely had a chance to utilize that break for that exact progression the head coach of the homeside Washington Jonathan heraldez who is in his first season with the spirit and talk about his career Arc with Barcelona 158 straight his first year he went 30 and0 30 wins no losses no draws and now in nwsl of course adjusting personally as well as professionally and getting to know the Personnel more and more each [Applause] week second Washington in the darker color kits black in color left to right two-tone for Kansas City with the white dominant tops from right to left this is going to be a battle shinga it's been a battle all season long across the league and shinga barreling over and it's going to be a foul on deoa and this is exactly what we're looking forward to this game has the makings of what should be an up and down back and forth track meet both teams taking their chances this time it's tea shingo working in trying to get in behind kingsbery off her line to make sure to clean that up and the foul was called in transition you're going to have to be very aware and mikon did a great job in defending that they both you see the physicality both players fighting for that ball nearly a chance for temoa to break through that's going to be quite a battle over the course of this 90 minutes mcy and Bell the two center backs for Washington at the start M count first in the league in clearances over a hundred of those and the only Iron woman on the Washington roster kingsberry has played all but one minute so very very close but not considered iron this is what SAR can do Santos who was making a regular season debut after making the club debut against Arsenal last week leg up here to indicate a foul clear one and it's going to be important in this matchup to see which team is able to of course take advantage of their opportunities but just be cleaner in transition these are two teams that like to get numbers forward they High Press you they win balls in higher areas of the pitch and then they then they're Off to the Races and they get a number of players to join into the attack quickly so having to make sure you're executing on that transition on both sides of of the ball is going to be pivotal so balas saguru there for Kansas City playing with that heavily taped left wrist and left forearm in there though making start number 10 appearance number 15 of the year for the native of Denmark wheelers throw and always have to look for shinga but it's easy to lose track in your mind at least of deia and Michelle Cooper and now Vanessa de Bernardo is ready to strike many moments having a career year in the offensive goal contribution numbers that's a remarkable thing about both these teams it's not just one player Kansas City crossed through looking for the aforementioned deia too much on it and the 32-year-old from Brazil who's been RedHot for the headman vlanco andonovski deino with five goals in the last six matches in all competitions four goals in the summer cup which Kansas City still alive they'll be in the summer Cup final played in October in San Antonio against Gotham Kansas City coming off winning the women's cup headed to the summer Cup Final they've been bringing in some Hardware these types of success and moments just allow you to have such a great preparation for the postseason also you know meaningful games chances to win Hardware goes a long way in building your team and that's a big part of I think why this team has 17 different goals scor scorers for the current getting everyone involved in a number of ways getting some new players involved as well this one through now waiting the beia shot is [Applause] blocked expecting to see chances in this one for sure lant is going to be called for a foul here how about that attack by Kansas City just attacking you in waves you can't pause for a second we saw mat have to get the the block there off the shots attempt by DEA they're going to run numbers at you on both sides each team's going to run numbers at you Kansas City win it back Brad Jensen our referee says play on the tackle on the near touch line beautiful day here in Washington DC 82 de in sunny he will take that in late August see if the flag stays down here and there's no touch from Kansas City thought it might have opt to wait it out and win it back wheeler service in another one sense inside the six TOA couldn't get on the other end of it it will be a corner though goodness gracious the current right now just stretching washingt Washington's backline looking to get services in you look at this pass played in across by Lacy Santos and DEA does a good job of running back post the volley attempt well defended there by paig mat to keep that out of bounds send it out for what's now a corner but out of danger for the moment vco anovi we spoke with him yesterday shared that he wanted this game to be a slower Pace that's not been the case here in the first 8 minutes Advantage Kansas City it's really referencing the transitional moments that Washington go go go with all of their Firepower up front yeah this definitely has not been slow at all to start off this match but I anticipated this these are two teams that during the break went into the break already playing great soccer and then had a chance to get some success whether it was Kansas City with their run to the final or for the speed with even the match up against Arsenal as you look again at the foul by Alana cook pulling on the Jersey of uar these are two units that have really been able to fine-tune some things make some additions that were helpful but also they're buzzing right now you talk about the Bea's five goals in six games they've been scoring they've been winning they've been playing great soccer and they haven't missed a beat the chemistry as both coaches have alluded to seems like it's higher than ever for each of these groups groups so so excited about the second part of the Season cook acquired from Seattle back on July 22nd so making appearance number one in the regular season also some exits Lauren transferred to Atletico Madrid earlier this week CLA laaj mutually parting ways couple of days ago about 10 days ago and Alexa spanta was transferred to Portland earlier this week Washington on the front foot here mat has brought it all the way in mat scores Paige Mater perhaps the most unlikely to open the scoring does just that here in Washington DC Paige Mater makes a play of her own after defending a number of times on the other end of the pitch takes it back it starts in the Midfield nice pass there by Santos to open up to find mat mat breaks off in space and nobody picks her up able to keep going SAR makes the run across which opens up the lane mat the outside back shifts to her left finishes puts it away from franch and when you look at this play this is in transition Kansas City did not stop ball they allowed her to continue to take her space and again that run by uar if you look again that just opens up the gap for mat to be able to find a pocket to touch into and finish we've SE mat on the other end defending Thea with some big plays to keep Kansas City scoreless but then to go on the attack and Finish Well Done by Paige in the opening minutes did not have Paige Mater as the likely first score in this one we've talked about so many other names but that's what can happen when others draw so much [Applause] attention see the speed of the game exactly what anonos was concerned with can happen quickly Kansas City controlled possession for the first sevenish minutes right back in shinga crafty heel touch and sent out that's to think about these two teams so high Pace Up Tempo Mater with her first goal with her feet she's had three career goals all with her head and that one was a beauty were all off Corners last year he was as a result first in corner converted goals last year in the League's 23 years old rookie of the month last June on her second season flipped over the top by Levant multiple aial dels and it walks back to the center circle player down for Washington and play will be stopped I don't think it was head contact reaching for the back SAR there regain yeah you look at this play again sarge is battling there against B Sager was a little was a tough Collision good to see that AAR is back up on her feet though thought it was the the back and she's reaching that dire that look looked like there was some some neck and head area as well but a okay Jan heraldez one nil lead for his Washington Spirit side that's a it's a dream start it's a great start to this match for the spirit back at home they've actually had the upper hand against Kansas City in this series scorting through only as far as the back Line kingsberry clears down the near side right channel DEA the high press employed and wins it we get a free kick in a dangerous area a chance to equalize early DEA so pesky just look at this play here this is actually the goal that we're going back to mat with her first goal with her feet finishes that one around 80 franch puts the spirit on the scoreboard first up beautiful finish and you see nobody stopped ball in the actually the middle of the Box opened up wide open for paig Mater just very composed and heads up for it to finish and now the sphere on the defense off of that play by DEA very pesky there just throwing her body trying to see if she can get a toe poke on it it did lead to a foul being drawn waiting for the service in for Kansas City sent in by D Bernardo punched out and Washington and out of immediate danger thought a foul perhaps was coming breakout was on the way for Washington not so fast JY Rodman slow to get up after that play fans wanted a foul officials let him play on 14th minute you're just joining us Paige Mater in the ninth minute opening the scoring for Washington after Kansas City controlling much of the share much of the early chances but nothing to show for and down one n at the moment Washington looking to double SAR is ahead it now finds SAR right foot that's in oh the dream start continues that's two in the first 15 and Ole has eight on the regular season well if this goal does stand as they are confirming it the Washington Spirit are putting the league on notice going up against the Kansas City current and what's a match up for second place and you get a beauty like this Cory bethon dribbling down the middle SAR makes the run across changes her run to stay on side it looks like clearly gets that pass perfectly timed from Cory Bon that's her 10th assist and finds Ule SAR who's able to put the ball away SAR who leads this team in goal scored you look at the magic of that run that is text booked for what you want from your forward doesn't get it off the first pass changes her run to stay on side gets the ball from a great angle is able to finish and Cory bth who was already closing in on some history of her own with one assist shy of toin Heat's lead record of 10 that was set back in 2016 believe she's now just tied that up I would say so I would certainly say so there very quick V check no offside and a 2-n Washington Advantage goals coming less than seven minutes apart what a [Music] beginning so some more excitement for the spirit as but Aon with that goal standing does get the 10th assists a lead record KY through sent out current have had plenty of chances that assist single season record set by Tobin Heath 10 in 2016 now matched by bethon eight years later and both of those goals in transition that's something that we knew this game was going to be heavily dependent on I know I recall mentioning it earlier in the broadcast who can be better at executing and transition and in both opportunities for the spirit although they've been under a little bit more pressure defensively they get out into open space and transition and make a count and now this game that we expected to be very back and forth opens up a little bit more with a two nothing score [Applause] line whistle sounds here free kick on the way and this this one this this might be a two goal not enough situation for Washington this could be a 43 wide open Affair down the stretch here yeah with the way these two teams score two nothing can be very much uh easily changed the thing for Kansas City is they started Michelle Cooper on that right side to have her play a little bit lower they also wanted to drop in with their 433 having Lantra and Hunt sit a little bit deeper but it hasn't helped defensively because they haven't been able to drop back quick enough to get back into their defensive shape right now Washington Spirit when they're going the current aren't really doing a good enough job of slowing transition and disrupting their buildup one in the Midfield temporarily before Andy Sullivan controls back Sullivan number one pick back in the 2018 draft which is no more we'll get into that a little bit later now with 111 career regular season appearances with Washington has been with the spirit entire nwsl career Hutton gets it back now outling off this left side with basaga Kansas City has been able to find success down this left side over the top on the other end of it is wheeler wheeler keeps it in chips towards the spot left foot didn't get all of it save just in front of the [Applause] line well done there by Vanessa de Bernardo for that deep run into to the Box a quick goal to answer back by Kansas City to make this a one-goal game would drastically change things especially there's a lot of time left to play a two- nothing lead in soccer is one of the most difficult leads to play with it's deceiving this game is very much not Out Of Reach with the amount of time that we have left I think the first half is Out Of Reach with what we've seen and what we continue to expect to see notoriously two nothing has always been a lead that teams have trouble with because the team that's up you feel a little bit comfortable you've gotten that insurance goal but one goal by Kansas City in this situation to make it a one goal Gap again changes everything so you for Washington you can't get complacent you've got to keep the tempo High momentum can easily switch toia the right side with the setup at the moment left footed service can't quite get it on to the head of lont shipped out very nicely and the Run continues off the near Wing this is the other tough part about this Washington's up to nothing but Kansas City has actually had the ball in their attacking third a lot more they've had the better possession it's a slight edge of 54 around 54% possession but when you look at where the ball has been the majority of this game it's been in the attack of Kansas City yet they are the team trailing by two that's how soccer goes sometimes that's what also makes this lead very deceiving because Washington does need to do a better job of keeping it themselves to alleviate some of this [Music] pressure settled slightly since the second goal but still Kansas City much of the possession shinga all the black shirts mirroring now it's deia inside the 18 drops off long range that was blocked go again and Rodman gets it out of immediate danger Spirit trying to find SAR up top but haven't been able to connect to keep it this might be enough to give them a chance to catch their breath and get organized but the runs that we're seeing from Kansas City their front unit Thea chwinga Cooper are occupying so much of the spe back line it's allowing players like de Bernardo and even Ellie wheeler to get forward into the mix as late Runners it's causing a lot of Havoc for the spirit defensively andasi did mention how Kansas City was going to look to High Press and their blocks of pressure are starting in the box of their attack they are really pinning Washington back opens up the field when they doing it beaten twice though the other way and transition and mini transition this is not a foul this is offside flag up to the Run being made by Ellie wheeler ell wheeler has been doing a good job getting forward on that left side for Kansas City joining into the attack for DEA that's where we've seen the current looking to play a lot through that left as they're building up the pitch JY Rodman three goals in the Olympic Games where the United States played almost every minute so had an assist a member of the Triple Espresso as we've now been able to call them all this that we've talked about with the spirit and Rodman actually hasn't really gotten going going on this right side as much a few times i' I've been really surprised at how deep she's been that's a double check that you didn't change her number before the game but but there's Rodin the more familiar area she may have changed the pink braids but she did not change that was throwing me too for for a few moments it's tough after seeing of course all the great images in [Music] Paris that's a thing Washington has been very low defensively look how quickly this can go DEA oh the recovery run to slow things down continuing though wheeler taken down in the Box nothing from our referee Brad Jensen back to regular season V is available oh man that was a close one there I'm surprised penalty kick opportunity with the way this game is would be major for Kanas City but again it's all down this left side deino wheeler de Bernardo of course winga making the runs across that's a big part as to why Trinity Rodman's been so much lower it's interesting Candace City initially wanted to match up Cooper with Rodman she's on the opposite side but DEA has been a better matchup on this side forcing Trinity Rodman to have to drop back now shinga flicks above can't win it back here's Rodman again helping out places towards the near sideline and that let it up [Applause] ahead did that go out no play continues I think Rodman might have deed everybody out there Kansas City though wins it back shinga looking for the slot Thea almost got on top of it working through labant [Applause] look at what dein is able to do how hsel tracking back defensively here finds Ellie wheeler that's the one no whistle called as herfel see look at the arms was tangled up with Ellie wheeler you did see the reason for the fall though appeared on that look the right foot of the attacking player herfeld getting hung up on the ball but if it was caused by something with the arms that's a close call there Kansas City down two Paige Mater in the 9th minute lar in the 15th mat is First of the Year sar's eighth Lacy Santos by the way picked up an assist on the Matera goal and Croy bethon tying in nwsl single season record for assists with 10 still nine full matches and the rest of today to set its solo Style just a rookie has been a big boost for this group with how you've seen her play shinga dangerous in all areas near goal shinga stops Kingsbury Shing has been matched up with ter maau for a good amount of these 1 V one opportunities and you look here just works around the edge able to turn get a good shot on Kingsbury there Kansas City hasn't been able to find her as much as they were in that first the first couple minutes of play you saw them playing direct a bit since then it's been a lot more through DEA that's what this team is able to do once you start focusing on one of their goal scores here comes another with a strike of her own more of the high press for Kansas City again the ideal tactics the game plan it certainly adjusts to n down even if it is only 28 minutes in crazy thing is Kansas City again has had the better of possession and and just offense in general but haven't been able to get a really good threatening shot on Aubrey Kingsbury they've got in around the box they've gotten Corner kicks they've gotten Services set pieces but it hasn't been dangerous enough in executing on that final pass or final shot just the two shots for Washington but Ultra efficient two on frame two pass the line two nothing Advantage up again for shinga shinga working through two dispossessed Tara mcy wins another one defensively huge play by MC there to slide get the ball clean lean no foul and get Washington going the other way this matchup is huge that we're watching between these two that a beautiful ball played in to shinga by the way that was de Bernardo that played that pass Andy mace the throw into shinga keep Bernardo 32 years old five assists is the fourth most in the nwsl but it does Trail Sha's six 18 goal contributions for shinga in the 16 regular season games 12 goals tied for first in the league with Barbara Banda can take that lead Banda did not score earlier this weekend was a win against Houston on Friday shwing has been involved in nearly half of the regular season goals for Kansas City of their league leading 40 this a group that leads the league in a number of offensive categor ories and shots chances created you just see why Clare Hutton's ball doesn't quite get all the way through second Ball Washington third most goals climbing that now with two today 32 when we started a little more than a half hour ago now up to 34 interestingly enough the spear came into this game two goals away from a milestone of their own 300 nwsl regular season goals they become the fourth Club to reach that Mark so some NW cell history also in addition to the individual history that's been made the next win for Washington would set a new club record for most in a single season there's all sorts historical marks these two clubs are making Club history as well as his league history foul here will be Washington fre bethon getting brought down as she was checking back it'ss up a little bit slowly as we see Andy Sullivan checking on her to get our first half hydration break here hands an attendance for not just one but two matchups and coming up later Arsenal and Chelsea going head-to-head Chelsea the reigning women Super League Champs FanFest taking place started two hours prior to this one back and forth inside outside the park that's going to be such an exciting friendly to follow this matchup especially with how this game is started take a look at what we've seen so far and we're going to start early 9th minute there's Mater going on on the run and there was just space space space and keep it rolling and if you look again Mater started from the other side of Midfield when she got that pass from Lacy Santos and was able to dribble the entire length of the field get into the box and was never truly pressured we do see there of course SE B bagger was pressuring her but mat had a lot of open Green Space was able to finish and that's her first goal with her feet which is remarkable because of her pre three goal they were all with her head and this one Cory Bon making history here her 10th assist of the season a beautiful run by Ule SAR who Loops her run across the back line you see bth points to the right and that's where sar's headed Loops to run able to draw enough space between the backline of the current Alana cook trying to slide and block 8 French trying to block it unable to get there on the shot and that's just a beautiful play both in transition yeah the loop there too to get that slight extra angle and it was just enough for SAR and then Mater scoring for Santos did get an assist I have to check the P the pass came from really the defensive third are right on the edge of the D and the mid third but given the assist and the record breaking a record tying assist for bethon with 10 over the course of the regular season to this point so hydration break Washington 2N up curious what you suspect some of these conversations are right now yeah I think for the spear it's got to be how can they do a better job of keeping possession higher up the pitch we've seen a lot of times Aubrey Kingsbury especially and their backline with the ball at their feet in their own box and with the pressure that you're going to that you're getting from DEA and Teo shinga it's it's a lot and just almost them playing with fire a little bit you've got to get your lines of pressure your lines of possession excuse me higher up the pitch for sure to now be able to sustain possession that makes Kansas City chase makes Kansas City work instead of it always being your backs th and Sullivan conversing as we get back to play We'll add this hydration time onto the end of the first half Kansas City though if I'm them it's definitely being better in position defensively of course that's been the Achilles heel where both goals came from and SAR connecting again s in those bright neon green cleats lost it but it was last touched by the current so it'll stay with Washington something that doesn't go in the stat book that you have to make notice of as we see the run that SAR Made For The Goal she scored the first goal as Paige mat scores it was uar that made the run across to open up that space theun again toes the line still [Applause] alive this is the first meeting of the Season between these two we'll do it again coming up in a little less than a month on Friday September 20th at cpkc stadium in Kansas City just finished up hosting the women's cup allowing [Applause] the world stage to beond display that beautiful Stadium created for the sole purpose of women's professional soccer home of the Kansas City current yeah this is a first me that's very exciting because you didn't know what you were going to get from this one I I do like the way that the spirit have come out of this hydration break though as we talking about sustaining possession high up the pitch this is really the first stretch or sequence we've seen of them really being able to keep it higher one back high SOS takes away now it's bethon sent out wide kuger oh win a corner nicely done by the Washington Spirit now able to get players forward Casey Krueger down that left side with a shot from distance block to set up the corner kick it all starts by just being able to keep possession we saw the width we saw the spacing and them able now to get runners in higher up to set up for a corner kick thus far Washington has taking advantage of all of its chances looking to go up 3-0 with a strike here Andy Sullivan serves it in finds ah head SAR was very close to Corral that one off of MC's head but getting there first KC keeper 8 franch that was a close one I will say for the spirit it's been quality not quantity they've been able to get in around the goal Le significantly less times than Kansas City but every chance they've gotten has been a good a good one Hutton tried to slot centrally immediately taken away now some space Rodman and SAR overlapping it is SAR now Trinity Rodman Rodman in [Applause] not all the way out just yet that changes here transition for Kansas City DEA shinga moving centrally could not get in that direction and things will slow a bit how about the game that page mat is having today as we've been highlighting all the the different names across these rosters it's Paige mat that said don't forget about me the tracking run back mat able to Coral it off the feet of DEA who just had the has been going Full Speed Ahead all game they've been playing through dein but at Paige mats had an answer nearly every time ter joining the rush here deliver that pass to Trinity Rodman fortunate that that pass not taken away herselt and shinga battling it is shinga Bernardo looking for an outlet Washington wins it back this is where the spirit has to get their space Santos just makes the pass back to MC there wasn't really any options to get weren't any options to get forward targeting SAR erased by [Music] book but's go was back in the n9th minute lay are in the 14th assist to Santos and bethon respectively now you wonder if for the visiting current things have cooled off a little bit they had a plethora of really good chances forward but it feels like the tides are shifting to be already leading Washington Spirit nothing to show for just joining us you might think wow Washington must really be dominating and yes the score line says that but through the Run of play were not aware of the score line it would be at least even if not slight Advantage KC I would say Sullivan wins it now SAR back to Andy getting on top of it tough hop for SAR taken down whistle stays in the pocket yeah definitely has been a game of kind of momentum highs and lows for each team the current came out on the front foot playing very aggressive they were also playing a bit more direct but just locking the spirit in it's now starting to swing a little bit as the spear have been doing a better job which is again crazy to say as they're up to nothing doing a better job of keeping it they certainly have shinga with deia goes back long distance here's the strike that's blocked came from Hutton SAR took a tumble after delivering that away another key part of this matchup that is important is also the the Midfield presence right now Hal herfel who has the ball at her feet currently Lacy sanos Andy Sullivan have been controlling it a little bit more in transition chance for Kansas City that deflects wide believe there was a touch there was not or was there there's a conversation that Vanessa de Bernardo is contending Vanessa clearly believes it should be a corner it will not be one that's de Bernardo with a good chance there current haven't taken their shots from distance just haven't been able to get them to squeeze through on frame quick intercept and this is more of the same with saw for the first 20 minutes while Washington was scoring winning it high up the field for Kansas City quickly taken back by the spirit Santos forar Rodman running right beun running left goes Bon's Direction defensive is back and sent away oh what works in transition is because of how many numbers Kansas City is pressing forward with it becomes almost 3v3 going the other way way and for the front three of the spirit and Cory Bon uar and Trinity Ryman they've got the pace and they also have the ability and the confidence to just go they don't have to wait for the rest of their team to join in Well Done defensively that time by mace to be able to clear that one out Krueger's throwing into the box Krueger now at the feet crosses in and it nearly nearly snuck in no touch on the gloves of franch and a goal kick take a look at this play again Krueger working on that left side drives it across the box and Santos tried to get a head on it here to help it along you see it just went out of her reach and then out of the reach of Rodman on the back [Applause] post more opportunities for Washington little soft on the header with the deaf touch and works in favor temp rarily for Washington kept in by Cooper almost lost it off the inadvertent heel touch but was able to recover strong year for Cooper ninth regular season start made four starts in the summer cup scored a goal so picked up an assist in the summer cup also a goal and assist in the regular season two and two and all CS deia here Alis Sager's pass taken away robman plenty of speed the pass is behind SAR R defensively Hy mace getting involved now the right side run looking to send in Cooper chips de Bernardo off the crossbar what a great Chance by Kansas City it all starts with haly mace picking off the pass to Trinity Rodman gets them forward Michelle Cooper the nice driven ball in the box and then how about that chance by Vanessa de Bernardo that second wave runner off the volley and then off the top of the cross barred so current still seeking that first goal great job by Kansas City they've been getting plenty of numbers forward into the box and win it up here in a very high area got deflected on the way through maybe a little too quick with the shot kingsberry able to keep out and we've seen one right back be able to get her team on the scoreboard in paig M now Kansas City's Haley mace trying to get her group on the scoreboard down the right side couple of back-to-back plays by mace doing a good job just jumping the pass to pick off the idea by the spirit on that right side so the strong defensive play for mace just a few minutes ago on the breakout with SAR bethon and Rodman great Point been very active on that right side did have a hydration break here in the first half so we do expect at least three minutes of first half stoppage time five minutes opportunity here in the Box shinga on the doorstep and a corner is one and Kansas City of a great opportunity as de Bernardo moves to the flag F current with the five minutes of stoppage time so pivotal use this moment to be able to maximize the chance that you get you want to see if you can head into the break with a goal close this Gap make this a different contest in the second half all heading into halftime drastically would change it Cooper receives short from De Bernardo now it is Vanessa crosses in little strong and that's off the head of Kansas City's Clare Hutton so a goal kick unfortunately there for the current that final pass by D Bernardo a little heavy it went over everybody Hunton tried to head it back but wasn't able to get there in time to reach it missed opportunity for the current shots at the moment 74 in favor of Kansas City 3-2 on frame for Washington the XG is very low for both sides both are under a third of a goal despite all the possession for Kansas City despite the two actual goals for Washington in the Box here ell wheeler absorbs some contact stays on the feet and we win another corner as you mentioned the numbers do not paint the full picture because as the current have nearly double the amount of shots as the the spear they also have triple the final third entries and they're down by two goals this group has been able to get around the goal but they haven't had the success of getting the shots on target just two on targets another chance here with a corner kick they were unable to execute on the last one we'll see if they elect to play this one short or drive this in off the foot of Vanessa de Bernardo five assists for de Bernardo having a career year sent in punch right back out almost Vanessa herself kingsberry big take a look here again as Vanessa de bernardo's Corner gets driven near post Alana cook the intended target trying again back post this time off the head of a flying Hutton Santos looking to help the exiting process finds Trinity Rodman be a foul on [Applause] Rodman rman just a little bit over aggressive on that play at Mason his position here you see Rodman wins the first header and then hay Ma just uses her body to Shield gets herself nice and big there Rodman was trying to work around her and the legs get tangled up down goes mace Ellie wheer for Kansas City going to cut the deficit in half here a lot of contact that's not going to result in anything except an ensuing goal kick Ellie wheeler as she fell down the ball hits off of her as it's going out of bounds the rookie Cy bethon a good job not one of the taller players on the pitch but in that one was able to use her body well to Shield not foul and allow the endline to help her out for that to be a goal kick 4 in height difference there bethon 5-3 wheeler 57 un backed by Cooper quickly still time perhaps the last chance though and this one maybe we'll draw a whistle no it will not Kansas City keeps possession Kanas City getting pulled down no whistles B sends in off a Washington spirit head and Teran McCown didn't want to have anything go wrong it's a corner and a chance for Kansas City tough thing for the Kent is I don't know if these chances of them getting fouled or if they're just off balance that play by Ellie wheeler similar to the one by Michelle Cooper seemed a little bit more just like they lost their footing of course they what I would be doing the same thing is pleading for a foul in that situation de bernardo's Corner dying seconds of first half stoppage time shinga here tea and we're going to get a whistle and a player down it's SAR again SAR has been involved in number of hard collisions we saw her earlier go down this time it looks like she's holding her back he's down in the Box off of the corner you look at this again ball goes in Wheeler and SAR going up against it as SAR is backing up wheeler runs into her SAR wanted a a whistle blown foul called this has the intensity both teams have had plenty of opportunities and chances where we've see them even pleading for a foul we expected some physicality in this aggressive matchup Kansas City had possession when play was stopped and just about done with the first half but now we are two goals for Washington in the first quarter hour mat and SAR and the the spirit will take a two nothing lead into halftime yeah the differen is in the final third the execution the spirit especially with the runs by Ule star did a better job of bringing the creativity to get that separation and to get those two goals coming up at the half we'll go around the rest of the end WSL we'll show you some of the highlights and set the stage for the second half that is all straight ahead Washington 2 Kansas City nothing at the break here in DC a score of two to nothing we'll show you the highlights coming up in just a little bit but here let's take a look around the rest of the nwsl match day 17 nearly complete with games taking place Friday yesterday one more later today and a a lot of action as the nwsl comes back from the break yeah it started Friday with Orlando Pride making history of 18 straight unbeaten games with their win over at the Houston Dash who've now dropped six in a row and been scoreless in those six the Utah Royals continue their streak building off the summer cup with a pair of goals LED first by Paige Monahan and an own goal for that Victory and then Gotham Ellis Stevens and Yasmine Ryan a goal a piece in their win over the Portland Thorns a lot of two goal games this weekend but racing Louisville made it three they returned back after going unbeaten in five games during the break and then they get their first regular season win they had lost had been unbeaten or excuse me win list in five prior to the break so after dropping Five results going into the break a lot of fives there for the racing WI but most importantly they got a win they certainly did last night Angel City over San Diego 2-1 the start of the regular season Under inim head coach Landon Donovan third different head coach for San Diego and it's three matchups with Angel City this year including the summer cup and Angel City wins that one Alysa Thompson had two goals in that contest very easily could have had three or even four and one other thing Kristen press welcome back to the regular season so great to see her back in the league it's been quite a journey for her and so thankful and appreciative that we get to see her back out there playing it's nice to see but it's been a great first weekend back of regular season play and of course there's one more tonight that we're not done yet Seattle and North Carolina coming up at 10:00 eastern time so about 8 hours or so after we finish here with our match up between Washington and Kansas City performances continuing here at Audi field in the district Washington leads Kansas City 2-0 we'll take a break we'll come back and we'll show you the highlights from the first 45 minutes that's all right after this in DC Washington leading Kansas City by a score of two to nothing appreciate you hanging with us alongside Renee Washington I'm Drew Casey and the rest of our Fantastic Team let's take a look at the highlights from the first 45 minutes and Kansas City controlled The Possession early but it was Washington striking early and often yeah it starts here in transition Lacy Santos finds her outside back Paige man who starts on the opposite side of Midfield does not get picked up and then Works around Stena basaga there to finish and put them on the scoreboard Paige Mater with her fourth career goal the First with her feet and gets the go-ahead goal for Washington in transition to execute beautiful run there by olear opens up this space for mat as you take a look look again from that angle open green and the back of the net and then minutes later again in transition this time it's Cory bethon picking off the pass able to find uar who makes a nice run again beautiful runs by uar in the first half you look here Bon points right SAR goes right Loops her run bends it she's receiving towards goal finishes first time Cory bethon gets her 10th assist of the Season which ties a league record that was set by Tobin Heath in 2016 and then gets her eighth goal of the Season leading the spirit in goals and leading the spirit today to get an insurance goal and extend their lead to two beautiful of the rest of the stretcher there were some chances on both sides and could have been 3-0 could have been 2-2 2-1 yes we saw some good opportunities that's late in the half as we see a beautiful chance play across the Box Casey Krueger getting up that left side unable to connect with Lacy Santos or Trinity Rodman on the back post then as the half is winding down down the best chance that we saw from Kansas City off the crossbar by Vanessa de Bernardo as she gets that second ball couldn't get it to drop and couldn't get the current on the scoreboard there were plenty of opportunities inside the final third for Kansas City but a zero on the bottom as you see Washington very opportunistic early we'll see any changes we'll see any adjustments to tactics as we get closer to the second half Washington 2 Kansas City nil we're back right after this yes [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] just about set now for the beginning of the second half Washington leading Kansas City 2-0 the final words of encouragement for the spirit as well as for the current and as we get set for the second half Washington obviously wants to keep the lead and earn three points Kansas City has a has a hill the clock definitely I'm sure both teams had plenty to talk about in the break for Kansas City we saw them start the half very strong and finish the half very strong but of course getting caught in transition flat which allowed Washington to get on the scoreboard both times I think for both teams it's a matter of being better in transition but also executing and you're attacking third this is not a safe lead for the spirit up two nothing and this is definitely a lead that the current can feel encouraged to come back from but then defensively keeping yourselves organized matched up and everything in front of you shots in the first half 94 Kansas City adjusted shots on goal 31 in favor of Washington possession slight Edge to KC 54% and six corners in the first 45 five of them for Kansas City and one for Washington away we go with the second half it's Renee Washington I'm Drew Casey thanks so much for joining us from Audi field in Washington DC here today the number two team in the nwsl standings Kansas City against the number three Washington already see the current coming right out playing quick even on that Thro in you could see the a little bit of urgency from them they have to get that first goal DEA controlling here Kansas City white tops two tone with the shorts as well back uniforms for Washington attacking right to left this is KC chance with the second ball cross through might have came up on the hand of somebody I thought shinga but shinga immediately protesting it with someone else regardless all the way out after lant tried to serve in this is where it's important for the currents you're not going to win this game in one goal you've got to score first and then go from there over the top off the line and controlling it before there could be any danger kingsberry Aubrey kingsberry has been doing a good job staying high off her line and with the way that the current like to attack and play a bit more direct their final passes their services typically are behind the backline of the Washington Spirit behind Tara mcy behind their backline and it's allowed Kingsbury to do a good job of being higher up being more aggressive to clean things up no changes at the half for either side full compliment of substitutions available to both managers throughout this second half no changes were made in the first half either for Alana cook again acquired from Seattle during the break July 22nd it became official see Krueger one of three gold medalists one of four United States Olympians on the spirit theun and Rodman so getting the gold Hal herselt an alternate but was never activated in a game so unfortunately do not get the gold medal still a fantastic experience it's great to see some the Olympians returning back sprinkled throughout La Santos from Columbia scored two goals also had an assist another Spirit player who's in the starting 11 Carl with Canada big feature all that Washington on the other side it was Michelle Prince with Canada as well as Desiree Scott both of those players available Off the Bench for KC and at the time so for Lauren as well but has since been transferred to Atletico Madrid by Kansas City that's great for the spe to have a chance to get almost all their Olympians in the starting lineup look at the four from Team USA as well as Lacy Santos getting them going from the opening whistle as a team that needs to win this game some hand fighting here and it's going to be a yellow card as well and de Bernardo has been booked Vanessa D Bernardo had some frustrations at the end of the first half of calls she did not agree with but you look here de Bernardo and bethon going at it battling a lot of hand jocking a lot of contact there Ste Bernardo picks up the foul on the card second yellow of the regular season so danger territory of a suspension yeah free kick for Washington and Andy Sullivan serves in going towards the edge of the six headed out by mace and shinga couple of crafty touches I think if you're Kansas City you've got to find a way to get TLA shinga more involved we've SE we haven't seen a lot of touches through her get her get her passes that allow her to run out in space get one V one getting around the edge right now she hasn't been able to get out of the kind of congestion of the back line of Washington so everything she's receiving she's got one or two Defenders draped around her think if she can either make those runs diagonal and out of the pockets or even just better movement as a whole it should help open things up already up two perhaps looking for another in the Box Rodman deflected ball and it's in welcome back to The nwsl Shining Trinity Rodman 3 nothing Washington how about this statement play by the Washington Spirit Trinity Rodman with the celebration with the beautiful goal we've seen this from her so many times including in the Olympics great run across as Paige mat dribbles and attacks the backline of Kansas City mat does a good job drawing in stina bager and then Ellie wheeler trying to close out against Rodman who shifts to her left and finishes back post looks very similar to what we saw in Paris from Trinity Rodman a beautiful goal able to work in you can't have that type of space for Trinity Rodman around the goal she's going to make you pay and Trinity Rodman gets a beautiful finish the celebration right after there it is showing off the new blonde hair that she's rocking and with that the spear up three nothing I would never have predicted a 3-0 lead either side in this match agreed agreed over the top Kansas City really chasing the game here with anybody else maybe with the exception of Orlando you might say it's probably known the results here but not with Kansas City not at this juncture in the 52nd minute but it's certainly an uphill climb maybe with a weight vest on now the weight vest definitely got a little bit heavier for this climb the other thing is for Kansas City although they've had the better of possession and I know I was talking prior to Rodman's goal about needing to get Tama shinga involved they still haven't been peppering the goal they haven't been creating shots they haven't been getting shots on target they've just had possession higher up the field so for Washington they've been at least getting those shots you look at all three of their goals those are some great plays they made able to get 1V one able to get Point Blank chances around the goal able to get their Playmakers out in space facing up that's been the difference foul against mace giving it back to Washington any coach will tell you possessions great but what do do with that possession and certainly put that in this category today Washington has been very opportunistic played very well too let's not take anything away that move by bethon to control and almost took cter head coach that's a key The Possession hasn't helped them break lines of pressure or get in into danger spaces they haven't been threatening enough as you look here Cory bethon nearly oh he did he did get good goach he ducked though fortunately so it wasn't into his his face like it could have been think that they share a smile and a laugh of course The Vibes are very high right now in DC for the spirit with this three nothing score line might have to include that in film review especially if this remains 3-0 or comfortable margin 54th minute two in the first half b and SAR 9th and 14th minutes Trinity Rodman adding one just a few moments ago in the 51st minute and as of this moment Mater has been credited with an assist so how about that for Paige Mater a goal and an assist in the game zero goal contributions on the season before this afternoon that's what you need players that step up in the big moments when this when the stages is biggest and the team that you're facing is a tough opponent like Kansas City to have paig M come in and be involved with two of these three goals and something that head coach vaco andonovski did mention was the strength of Washington is not just their national players they have a lot of talented players throughout this roster they've got Olympians they've got players that have international experience they've got veterans it's a great mixture of talent little hang up here after the free kick was awarded to Kansas City Curt wanted to go quickly then a bunch up in in the formal setup by Brad Jensen and now Vanessa de Bernardo ready to deliver that's to the edge of the area this will be a throw in for Kansas City go six goals for Rodman now on the season become solo second on the team in terms of goals scored now one actually make that two behind SAR remaining SAR scored earlier eight for SAR six for Rodman now this is the third time this season that the spirit have scored three at home in a regular season match they had scored just three times three goals at home and you want to guess yes three regular season combined prior this offense is really clicking I know we talk about them chasing a club high of wins the amount of goals they've scored but it's really their front three that's been the the biggest carrier of this and going to have a day like Paige mat is this is the the the type of combination that really leads to a successful [Applause] formula still more than a half hour remaining last time Kansas City did not score a goal was back on May 8th against Seattle does not happen very often common composed despite the pressure by kingsburry there yeah this is definitely Uncharted Territory for the current they've only given up three goals twice more three or more goals twice this season but never on the road and to come out of the break where they w win the woman won the women's cup excuse me headed to the summer Cup Final they've been winning games this is not the way you want to kick off the return to regular season play again a Kansas City team that was very busy a lot of the team together for much of the break in terms of regular season six contests six wins four in the summer cup they will play for a summer Cup trophy the final is October 25th Gotham the opponent that'll be in San Antonio and then the women's cup that Renee was just mentioning two wins there Atletico Madrid and mamalode Sundowns as well but again he wouldn't can say this with many clubs in the nwsl Orlando is the only other one that comes to mind down 3-0 in the 58th minute hold on we've seen teams be able to come back and put together performances where they score two three goals even the game that jumps out to me recent was North Carolina did it against racing Louisville heading into the break it's happen across this league and as you mentioned there are very few though that you can with confidence say they're never fully out of it with their ability to score goals there still is a good amount of time left in this game Kansas City just has to answer back quickly as time ticks this becomes more and more Out Of Reach Elli Bas pushing up likely see perhaps an adjustment in tactics maybe some more aggressive substitutions than vco andonovski would have liked but we'll wait and see left footed ball cross blocked out by really the star today Paige te on both ends will be a [Music] corner yeah and something that head coach Jonathan heraldez mentioned is when you play a team like Kansas City it's such a good test to see what your backline can do going up against an an offense like this and it's definitely been a test that we can say paig m is passing with flying colors with how she's been able to perform in a big moment to step up on both ends of the pitch [Music] another short Corner sent in Mater sends out ter is everywhere right now Kansas City has also been trying to play a lot down their left side which directly runs into Paige Mater maybe that's even an adjustment they can make is try not to play down that side try to go a little bit more down the right side if they can just to mix up their attacking looks contact there and a foul cook just a little too quick on the back of bethon there and you look at the way that the spirit like to play bethon does get drawn in Sally a lot of times working in close proximity with ulle SAR players like Andy Sullivan Casey kruer that'll give you the width on that left side but it's that interchanging movement that you see as bethon checks in pretty often to find the ball more than one hour complete now 61st minute it no changes yet some Milling around though their respective technical [Applause] areas this would be a great chance for Kansas City to get some different players in especially for both teams you want to stay fresh of course but especially for the current as they're chasing this game see if you can get a different look of personnel out there the spirit have defensively gotten the Playbook figure out on how to defend Kansas City it feels like let's see if he can throw something different their way mat SAR Rodman the goal scorers remember a double header day exciting day that so far has been very very fruitful for the partisan DC crowd coming up Arsenal will meet Chelsea International Friendly this been a great start to the day down in DC that's for sure got a whistle free kick coming for Kansas City Chase on this might be a opportunity for bethon but nice recovery there and the help dangerous for a moment from franch got it away in time mace taken down wins another free kick for Kansas City a couple of Washington Spirit players coming over to substitution area with the fourth official a couple of Kansas City players there too might have some line changes coming up quiet stretch in the middle third the last few minutes Kansas City looking to change that shinga absorbs some contact shinga in the box scores it's the opener for Kansas City and hold on still 25 plus to go as shinga takes solo lead at 13 goals in the nwsl this regular season oh boy this changes some things that's for sure that's a beautiful ball played in to shinga working up against three backs for the spirit this is exactly what I was referring to when I said they have to get her more involved get Tempo shinga your leading goal scorer the League's leading goal score the ball in space where she can go to work able to get a beautiful first touch and still under pressure there composed finishes this is why she's in the Golden Boot race and this is why Kansas City is never fully out of the [Music] [Applause] game wholesale changes along with the goal shingo scores and there's Jericho checking in announced the signing just last Friday Kansas City current in and welcome to the nwsl the African of Kenya Jericho becomes the first Kenyan to appear in the nwsl 26y old is in so to is Nichelle Prince for Kansas City Hutton and D Bernardo checking out on the other side it is Gabby Carl and Heather stainbrook you have come on this a great time for that substitution on both ends Jericho or doggo as I think the nickname is that was mentioned that they call Jericho's well just brings a lot of experience internationally scoring goals she's got the skill on the ball the work ethic and really a dynamic player that can break opponents down someone that Kansas City is very excited about what this 26-year-old midfielder can bring to this group and I'm excited to see especially with what the score is looking like after that goal by temo chinga and so much time left on the clock what will this matchup look like moving forward for both sides certainly certainly changes things and not a surprise here's Jericho a touch in the attacking third sends ahead header is on and stopped connecting with Prince those the two newcomers who just entered and a test that was passed by kingsbery well we know what Nichelle Prince can bring as an attacker as well that likes to play on the back shoulder stretch make good runs and attack and already the connection of the two substitutions for Kansas City showing some signs of threatening play DEA gets an assist on the shinga goal some notes on shinga coming up in a moment though might have to change those drops the pass back oh a touch here for Cooper Jericho too strong on that that's high and clean high but for shinga has now scored in six consecutive regular season games five was already a club record but now six consecutive regular season games with the goal ties an nwsl League record five players all time have done that shinga scores next week become solo a top that list Sunday at North Carolina now also solo a top of the Golden Boot race was already in the lead due to her edge and assists but now with a 13th goal puts her even higher in that Golden Boot race that is already a Kansas City Club Record 12 was as well so adding to that on Mark importantly and most importantly getting Kansas City back in this still down two we're in the 68th minute plenty of time these are two record setting teams and you look at what these clubs have on the pitch the talent the ability still haven't seen them fully come together yet whether it's because of no additions or injuries bth up ahead finds SAR some fantastic runs that have been made here dishes to bethon looking for a cutter quite convert I think a big change for the Washington spirit is they've always been an offensively aggressive team that likes to run at you 1 V one but you see the dynamic runs and movements that they've added this season Washington back in control long range strike from Rodman already a goal back to the well that is shinga scoring just moments ago looking for another brace DRS it back but nobody home shinga does have three braces this year the nwsl record is four in a single season shanga was looking for someone to get into the box the shell Prince was the only player that was an option but Prince had a couple players guarding her back to goal shinga and Jericho working together and Jericho fires again that's two shots for Jericho since coming on just a few moments ago in the 65th that's already seeing from Jericho in the Midfield the ability and the confidence to go not afraid to take those shots from distance also seeing some runs looking to find the ball this is Jericho's first minutes with this group in regular season play and you're already seeing the willingness to go and to get forward Jericho replacing Claire Hutton and Prince replacing d Bernardo that was the official changes one for one and it was Carl in for Krueger stainbrook in for herfel Advantage was granted here to allow play to continue second two changes on the Washington side Santo settling and deia takes set out wide deia trying to keep does [Applause] so DEA who we've seen drifting a lot more in this second half out of just that left side de has been Central that's actually where she was positioned on that goal the assist to find temo shinga and that movement I think has helped her to be able to just get some different looks where she's receiving it that time just was unable to keep the ball out of the reach of how herselt the the Applause here is for two greats amongst Washington one in Cy bethon who's established herself on the international stage and here the addition of Rose kasasi agreeing to terms in the French league for the last three seasons where she scored 21 goals in 53 games transfer announced on July 10th signed through 2027 the club debut was last week against Arsenal and now it's the regular season debut in the nwsl for kasasi how about the signing of kuas see someone that uh has the ability also to just score goals as you mentioned those 21 goals to add to this already prolific attack Rose is going to be someone that's as you already see in the first play of the game receiving the ball look to turn around Alana cook cook with the right AR arm grab there does lead to the foul and then a yellow card against Elana cook we already see some uh footwork there and the Run the movement the touch on the ball by Rose De berardo was also on a yellow for Kansas City but was subed out in the first rung of changes so now it is just cook playing with the yellow on either side Washington is not seen the book yet 73rd minute Andy Sullivan serves it in fourth goal at this point would likely seal it despite bite the fire power for KC that stayed in just barely here's a chance and there it is another one for Washington four strikes in the match and this time it is Santos 4-1 well you were speaking on it as it unfolded drew Washington answering back to extend the lead back to three goals well done by Lacy Santos to off this set piece by Andy Sullivan you look at Kansas City wins the first one with Alana cook and then on this end line the hustle the play the ball across the Box nicely done by Gabby Carl to find Lacy Santos Works around Michelle Cooper Carl drives it in Santos wide open outside of the six again look at all this green around Lacy Santos unmarked finishes puts the ball away in a quick two touch rhythm and Washington Spirit they've been talking about the growth of this unit the chemistry The Possession how they've been evolving as the season goes on well that Evolution has led them to four goals today the first career goal for Santos in the nwsl newcomer who was signed on April 2nd from Atletico Madrid played previously but Santos not make her Club debut until last weekend against Arsenal did not score there scores here well this is quite a day for the Washington spirit and you look at how they're playing it's I had a feeling this game could be a high scoring game I didn't think it was going to be this lopsided of a game in favor of one [Applause] team ad French just getting to that before seeing a another Rush coming in her Direction in the gold secures that [Applause] one Gabby Carl picks up the assist for Carl sure the first game that she's come off the bench this regular season 16 starts through the first 16 but was with Canada the Olympic so gets a little bit of a rest at the start when you look at the difference of this game two teams that can score two teams with a lot of talent outside of even just their Olympians and national team players it's been that final third execution hats off to the Washington Spirits they've been doing a better job around the box of being composed but also being a bit more Dynamic the final runs the final passes at this level it's got to be unpredictable and the spirit have done a better job with that here's an opportunity for Kansas City looking to make it 42 good RIP by Cooper but too much traffic in front and a bit too much distance save made by kingsburry those shots when you have the ball deflect off of a a defender or go through their legs are typically difficult for a keeper because they can't always cleanly see the ball to be able to get their feet set Well Done by Aubrey Kingsbury on that shot by Michelle Cooper to handle it Cooper does have a goal this regular season kasasi working offensively dispossessed and cleared Away by wheeler and already seeing in her initial minutes on the pitch kaasi not afraid to go 1 V one you see the aggression to get forward the runs been very active to find the ball also challenge there looks like we are going to have our second half hydration break as a result as well here in the 77th minute Washington in front here at 41 all these goals I forgot we still needed another hydration break it's been quite a second half here should also discuss and wrapping up of the match day at number 17 part of the nwsl transformative and historic CBA but we've had so many goals today we're going to show you the goals first then we're going to talk in that direction had five goals in this game yeah it started with Lacy Santos finding Paige mat mat gets forward nobody stops ball shifts around Stena bager and finishes and then this time it's Cory bethon to ulle SAR SAR with a beautiful run Loop bends it faing goal able to finish first time and then it's again Mater this time getting the assist Paige Mater drives forward finds Trinity Rodman Rodman able to bend that back post and then Kansas City finally gets on the scoreboard DEA able to slot it through to find Tempo shinga who moves into the leading spot for the Golden Boot race shinga able to scoop that one past the arms of Aubrey kingsburry out of the reach and into the net for Kansas City who finally breaks through feels like the current are showing some signs of life to make a comeback here as it now is a 3-1 game with plenty of time left you're wondering can Kansas City continue to close the gap but of course Washington had a response of their own Andy Sullivan off the set piece serves it in the Box Gabby Carl subbed in moments ago working 1V one against Michelle Cooper able to drive it across to Lacy Santos Santos got the assist on the first goal and got the goal on on the final goal we've seen so far in this match Beautiful Finish By Lacy Sanchos couple of changes that have been made during the hydration break on the Kansas City side two changes on both sides we see KRON Hamilton coming in the same for bayy Feist on the Kansas City side Ashley Hatch has come on for Washington as well as Britney Ratcliffe all here in our second half Hydro break sh Cooper and DEA exiting for Kansas City Trinity Rodin also has the day complete on the Washington side and Santos as well couple of the goal scorers exiting quickly into the box Kansas City would love to get this to 42 but offside flag is up talk about the depth of these teams and their goal scoring ability Spirits sub on Britney Ratcliffe and Ashley hatch who have notoriously in their careers been great goal scores this season a few goals a piece for each of them as they step on the pitch in regular season play but also with this game now around the 80 minute Mark after we just finally had that second hydration break good time to get some fresh legs out there especially with the amount of minutes and Miles that these players have logged we've had a couple of cards we've had three goals we've had an injury had the hydro break so we are going to see considerable number of stoppage here coming up Kansas City if want to play the game probably need one before the 85th before the first minute of stoppage time and then see how much time he left it is difficult to make a big comeback especially this late in the game down three goals if you're Kansas City this is a good opportunity just to see how they handle here's Feist just in Cross looking for a head it was wheeler making the Run lost the headband can connect cleanly with it Jericho stepped in there but committed the [Applause] foul Jericho feels like she cleanly got the ball on that one as Ashley Hatch was brought down take a look at this play again here [Music] oo Jericho did sneak her left CLE in there able to pick the pass off official saw contact as [Applause] well out over the far touch line these are such great opportunities for both coaching staffs as they have now been able to put some their new additions on the pitch or even just get some other players minutes you're going to need depth you're going to need a chance to see what these players can do to figure out the best combinations the best starting 11 they're still in that process especi especially a team like Kansas City with the amount of roster moves they've made during this break but for both teams they've done a lot this is a chance to see in these minutes to build more for future games and vatco anovi the head coach and sporting director for Kansas City current say these are not just moves for this season they are four seasons ahead Jericho signed through 2025 option for 26 and Hilda Mia who's not available today signed earlier this week the South African goal scoring sensation that's exactly it for both of these teams they are building for their Futures Beyond this match Beyond even this season but right now for this match ashington Spirit have to be extremely encouraged this the game that for lad andasi as we get a look at the Kansas City sideline send you back to the drawing board a little bit of some things you want to work work on these are two teams we anticipate you will see in the postseason so it's now a good test of what do we need to F tune in this final stretch of the regular season to be ready to make sure that the results goes our way Come playoff time the spirit of may already typed the exclamation mark but make it two perhaps that corner were to result in a goal flicked on by SAR but secured by ad [Music] franch quickly one back run into play continues as Rose kasasi ran into a brick wall and remains down Kansas City has one back possession and play will be stopped and a yellow card is going to come out now and that will be administered glassi down take another look here you see that's a hard collision between kaasi and lant you saw Rose holding her neck as you see that left forearm did strike her in the neck on that Collision so Rose we just saw ENT of the match make her debut unfortunately down right now and could in a lot of pain good time to talk a little bit more in detail about the historic CBA that was announced earlier this week on Thursday and it's historic it's transformative there's so many changes and it really continues to just Advance the nwsl as as that premier destination for for women soccer across the world it does the collective bargaining agreement that is through 2030 is phenomenal and when you look at the work that the nwsl Players Association did with the league to be able to come together to make changes the elimination of the nwsl draft the changes to have unrestricted free agency which will start September 1st of this season July 1st moving forward to also have plans to raise the salary minimum and also so just the salary caps the whole changing with the plans of doubling what's the salary minimum by 2030 and then also just providing better support on and off the pitch even things such as child care and and parental support so it's just very crucial for the league to have had this announcement that allows them to be able to attract players from around the world provide their players with more say even in terms of Trades players have to be involved now with where they are traded to giving giving them say and involvement in their own careers free agency starts in less than a week September 1st trying to clear out unable to Jericho windes as it blocked sorry a little slow to get up been beaten up leaving it all out there today lar is one of the leading goal scorers in this league has now moved into third and goals and attracts a lot of attention that's a painful play here that off leg too awkwardly lands and that right foot gets kind of hyperextended a little bit SAR back up on her feet running it off as you mentioned a number of tough collisions we saw her holding her back her neck her ankle she's going to need a nice bath that's this one for sure gasi back out there Washington we should note is out of Subs used all FS of course you have the concussion sub never want to have to get to that point 88th minute this point despite the fire power for Kansas City does appear the result is known Washington though looking for a little bit more this could really be a springboard towards the top of the table perhaps be tough to track down Orlando left footed serve in loose but collisions two Kansas City players down Alis Sager one of them and Krueger there is already popped back up or excuse me cook is already popped back up you look here again the Ball by Gabby Carl driven across the Box olear going in to compete you've got ad franch and there you can see the Collision that happens as Stena basaga actually ran into Rose you look here right on your screen after the play they Collide face to face pretty much so Alana cook was hit on one side Cena also hit Rose collides it's just a very scary Play All Around for all the players involved as they were all just going for that aerial service but kind of got blindsided as they ran into each other athletic training staff's working overtime here in these final minutes so Washington going to move baring the improbable to 37 points that would be solo second in the league table Kansas City will remain on on 35 points and just like that only one point ahead of fourth and Gotham there's a sizable Gap though between four and five Gotham on 34 Portland on 27 so that's two plus matches we are seeing the way the standers are shaking out it's a battle to top with the top four currently and this is huge for Washington it was huge for both teams coming into today because it put you closer to the Orlando pride of course with Washington Spirit now as you mentioned with 37 it would have had Kansas City at 38 it keeps you in Striking Distance to be able to catch up to Orlando of course at this point Orlando has to lose a game first for anybody to be able to catch them or even get close to catching them they could continue drawing which would also help but it is such a battle when you look at the fight for standings for those final eight spots in the playoffs this season big number here 9 Minutes of stoppage time here's some space for [Applause] kasasi knocked Away by wheeler reloading for Sullivan up 4-1 Gabby Carl and assist play by Jericho lar was down still is down believe slow to get up we've seen both ankles get clipped this time it's the right ankle as we look back at this play uar stepping and the back boot of LOL laanta catches ulle SAR as you mentioned substitutions are not really an option right now for Washington SAR is getting beat up now up three in stoppage time could play with 10 and be feel okay about it Rob be careful on a yellow I want to see a second yellow here and of course have to miss next week as a result yeah that's the thing that you do not want to have anything in these minutes of stoppage time that linger into next week to have an impact on matches moving forward cook is on a yellow as well Hy mace commits the foul hatch wins it Ashley Hatch 48 career nwsl regular season goals that's seventh all time three away from tying Megan rapino necked up on the list at 51 for the great Rino that's a player that you're subbing onto the pitch off of the bench someone that can score whether it's penalty kicks or as you mentioned top all time in league history and goals that's quite some depth to have for this team [Music] no huge rush here up three late in the second Sullivan serves it in punched out by French stain Brook looking to recycle in again for Rose SAR was a bit long as well Jericho taken back momentarily Washington next week goes to the West Coast to take on San Diego Sunday at 8 Easter Kansas City next Sundays so back on the East Coast take on North Carolina at 2:00 Eastern two teams will do it again on September 20th against Washington how about the schedule for Kansas City coming back on the road at North Carolina will host a surging Utah team then at Orlando and then get Washington again so this is a a dicey part of the season lotss of challenges coming up for the current yeah and that's the thing this part of the season does not get any easier for teams if anything it gets more difficult we have the free agency period coming up September 1st we have the number of Summer moves that we that we've seen across Ross the league 12 teams that made roster Acquisitions lots of players that have moved throughout so it's even going to take time I don't care how talented you are it still takes time to learn your teammates the Tendencies the movement the ideas so we'll still be seeing things as they're playing tough matches you also have players that are logistically trying to get available andas City still pressing looking for a second goal bring some confidence into the week of training what is going to be a big time disappointment this afternoon cing off six straight summer cup women's cup as well this will actually be two consecutive regular season losses for Kansas City lost to Orlando the last time out tough when you get Orlando and Washington twice in a six-game stretch it's going to start 0 and two yeah that is a major part of the season for Kansas City that loss to Orlando was was an exciting game very back in fourth and now as they get the addition of Jericho you get Hilda who they're still waiting for it's the thing with visas and documentation it takes some time for these players that you acquire to sometimes actually be available so I imagine by the time Kansas City faces Washington again with the SE that late September matchup both of these teams should look pretty different from what they look like today PA Mater candidate for player of the match for sure scored the opening goal in the ninth minute then it was SAR in the 14th two nothing Washington Trinity Rodman Early second half made it 3-0 in the 51st shinga put Kansas City on the score seed in the 64th minute 3-1 but answered in the 73rd by Santos Washington is our last strike into the net 41 Washington from the 73rd until now right now in the sixth minute stoppage time that's going to be a foul and maybe more yeah yellow card Willer on the front foot there with the head of steam we've seen Ellie wheeler looking to get forward a lot out of the back for Kansas City likes to get in for services this time as she's turning the corner trying to cut off Britney Ratcliffe does get pulled down for that foul it's a shame because Paige M was actually there to double team Britney Radcliff got tangled up there almost didn't need to foul actually with a double team on the way first Washington player put into the book today first yellow for rad cliff on the season right footed service awkward hop and adjusting to it and securing it is kingsberry was Ellie wheeler again that was on the receiving end of that service was nearly able to control the the first ball but it was a bit heavy and into the hands of Aubrey Kingsbury this is where you do want to make sure if you're Washington you close out this game you've given up the one goal that TMA chwinga finished don't want to give up another goal this is starting to set the tone for what next game is going to look like what practice is going to look like this week so you want to make sure you finish out this match strong that's for both teams finish out this match strong talk about this a little bit earlier and this typically doesn't necessarily always tell the full story The Shot numbers KC doubling up Washington 14-7 on frame though 54 Spirit goals 4-1 spirit that is the key double the amount of shots but Washington actually has had more shots on Target and four of those five one in that paints a picture of how this game went I change for even a bigger exclamation point kaasi goes down no whistle though should not have been [Music] there's definitely a lot of takeaways for both sides from this game I think for Washington you've got to be thrilled with the execution in the final third of course the movement the way that they stayed composed as this game progressed even after giving up a goal still able to answer back from that goal by temo shinga around the 63rd minute now for Jonathan heraldez the head coach of Washington said prior to this game relative to last week we need to be bit more clinical near and around goal check they mentioned how that game versus Arsenal taught them a lot even though the result didn't go the way they wanted to just give them confidence and idea of what they want to look like on the ball ball today I think is that's exactly how you want to look on the ball and there's the final whistle a statement result for Washington at home 41 over Kansas City and the spirit moved past the current into second in the end WSL standings the spirit hand the current their worst loss since April 1st of 2023 and just a tremendous game a lot of contributions and a hardfought team win today back at home we'll take quick time time out we'll come back with some of the highlights and set the scene for what's ahead for these two sides in the nwsl Washington 4 Kansas City W the final here in DC great from the start yeah and it starts with Paige mat off the pass from Lacy Santos mat gets her first career goal with her feet and the first goal of this game does a tremendous job beautiful run by uar to open up that space te gets the Finish Well done here to just shift her touch around Stena basaga and to finish that one and then minutes later off the turnover Cory bethon picks off the pass and then picks out her Target able to find ulle SAR another great run by SAR moves SAR into eight goals on the season to leave the spirit and then 10 assists for Cory Bon tying a record set by Tobin Heath back in 2016 and then here it is again Paige Mater to become the fifth player for the spirit to have a goal and assist in the same game because she found Trinity Rodman and Trinity Rodman found the back of the net Rodman does a great job working One V one against Ellie wheeler shifts her touch left puts it back post we've seen that before Trinity great finish by Rodman and the spirit are rolling beautiful finish and then as the game progressed we finally got a chance from Kansas City DEA sloted through to temo shinga chwinga for the sixth straight game finds the back of the net a league record and also now lead needs the league in the Golden Boot race 13 goals on the season for tea chinga who was able to work around Teran M and around Aubrey Kings right in the back of the net as the game progressed as we're moving on it's Andy Sullivan with the set piece and then Gabby Carl who was subed in just moments before this working 1 V one against Michelle Cooper to find Lacy Santos Santos the second Colombian player to score in her debut this season Santos does a tremendous job quick onew touch receiv it finishes gets her hips around it and able to split Alana cook and Cena basaga for that goal to give them the three-goal lead again tremendous job that's backto back games for them where they won by three goals all going well for Washington that win in terms of the regular season 12 of them that's a new single season Club record the team reached 300 nwsl regular season goals in club history as well earlier today and moved to second in the league table 41 the final dominant performance here in DC for Renee Washington I'm Drew Casey saying so long for now one more game later at ten Eastern Seattle hosts North Carolina