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NWSL news: ACFC shock Wave under new leadership, Spirit complete comeback

By Caden Charpentier

Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola (16) kicks the ball while San Diego Wave FC forward Melanie Barcenas (25) defends during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola (16) kicks the ball while San Diego Wave FC forward Melanie Barcenas (25) defends during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 10, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit midfielder Ashley Sanchez (10) controls the ball during the first half against Angel City FC at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit midfielder Ashley Sanchez (10) controls the ball during the first half against Angel City FC at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

NWSL news: Washington Spirit piece together gritty comeback to go top with win over Kansas City

With Morgan Gautrat and Vanessa DiBernardo starting as a double pivot in the midfield for the first time in Kansas City colors, the Current had their eyes set on stealing points. Right out the gate, it looked like the home side would. Twenty-two seconds into the match, rookie Michelle Cooper beat Audrey Kingsbury to earn the record for the quickest goal in league history. Caroline Sjöblom’s team went on to add a second via a Debinha spot kick.

Everything was leaning toward a stunning Current victory over a playoff-bound Washington Spirit. KC had six out of the first seven shots of the game, owning the ball and the opportunities in the attacking third. The minute Ashley Sanchez guided her shot with the help of a deflection past Cassie Miller to cut the lead to one, the momentum shifted into Washington’s favor. The Spirit concluded the match with three shots on target. All of them crossed the goal line.

Set pieces are the great equalizer in the game of soccer. With the score still reading 2-1 in favor of the mid-west side, Paige Metayer used her 5’10” frame to get on the end of a Lena Silano corner. Even with the amount of defenders around her, Metayer left Miller no chance between the posts. Another situation in which KC lost a runner in the box propelled Washington up to the top of the table. A creative left-footed ball by Dorian Bailey was right into the path of Tara McKeown who converted what will most likely be her easiest goal of her career. For the Current, that is a tough pill to swallow as they sit at the bottom of the table. Those are the kind of matches a team like Kansas City just trying to string together results has to have. On the other end, that is what disciplined playoff teams do. Continue to fight, and when the chances come their way, punish the opposition.

The NWSL resumes on Wednesday evening with three intriguing UKG NWSL Challenge Cup matches on Paramount+. 

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