NWSL news: Gotham jump to third, Taylor Kornieck salvages draw for Wave, week 15 roundup

NWSL news: Taylor Kornieck equalizes at the death for San Diego at home to put an end to the club’s three-game league losing streak

Without question, this match topped the weekend slate of fixtures when it came to excitement. Each side was desperate for a result. Casey Stoney’s San Diego Wave had not earned a single point from a league match since June 9 against Racing Louisville. After its second-half comeback against the Kansas City Current, the Washington Spirit were outscored 7-2 in the club’s previous two contests before traveling to Snapdragon Stadium.

Ashley Hatch’s hustle to not give up on the ball began the match. The American earned the penalty, and then stepped up to slot it into the top-right corner past Shae Yanez. Hatch, who was on the edge of making it to the World Cup with the USWNT, has now converted three goals in her last five games.

San Diego would nearly respond by way of a Taylor Kornieck header just before the halftime whistle. Within the first nine minutes following the intermission, Cheyenne Shorts scored two goals, one for her team, and another for Washington. The Spirit looked as if they were going to ride that bit of luck from an own goal to taking all three points. That was not the case.

When Korineck is on the pitch, the Wave have the opportunity to score on a set piece. At 6-foot-1, the United States international has a head start against anyone in the air. Kelsey Turnbow executed a pinpoint cross into the middle of the opposition’s box. Without much resistance, Kornieck accurately placed her header past the outstretched arms of Nicole Barnhart between the posts.

There is no telling how massive of a goal that was for the Wave. While it was not a win, it sure feels like it given the circumstances.