Another game at Segra Field, another less than satisfactory outcome for the Washington Spirit.
Coming off of an uneven performance and loss in Bridgeview last week, the Spirit find themselves left without any points again with Portland scoring in the 29th minute and taking the 1-0 victory. That scoreline should’ve and could’ve been much more gnarly, with the Thorns missing a number of solid chances at the end of the first half, but the header by Simone Charley off of a cross by Olivia Moultrie, making her 1st NWSL start, was enough to secure the victory.
Offensive excitement was limited for the Spirit outside of a Save of the Week clearance by Christen Westphal on a chance by Trinity Rodman in the first 10 minutes. After that, the Thorns masterfully shut down the Spirit attack, limiting possession in dangerous areas and completely isolating Ashley Hatch for almost the entire game.
Takeaways: This would have to constitute the Spirit’s worst run of form so far in the season, with 3 losses in their last 5 games. I would normally say, “luckily for the Spirit, their next game is against Houston” but the NWSL is crazy, and there are no sure things in this league. The last time the Spirit traveled to Houston, they were the “home team” and got the victory. They will be looking to harness that same bizarre chaotic energy again and look to break their current form.
Saori Takarada was the first returning Olympian, returning to Japanese National Team duty and training with the Spirit all week. Tonight, she stepped into the right-back role, with Anna Heilferty swapping sides to cover for an injured Tegan McGrady. Takarada put together a very solid shift, highlighted by a thunderous strike in the 72nd minute that smacked the crossbar and represented the best chance for an equalizer since the goal.
Olivia Moultrie, the somewhat controversially young Thorn, got her first NWSL start and made the most of it. Aside from an inch-perfect cross on the assist, she played the right balls and acquitted herself extremely well for a 15 year old (and would have been just fine for a 20 year old too). It would be interesting to watch how she continues to develop as she is given more opportunities down the stretch, although with the Olympians returning, those opportunities may not come as frequently.
The Portland Thorns, they are good. Mark Parsons had the Spirit in a tactical judo hold for the entire match, with chances coming few and far between. The second half, barring the last 10 minutes, was ponderously slow due to Thorns moving around the ball and cutting off the passing lanes the Spirit normally rely upon.
The Spirit will play again on Friday at BBVA Compass Stadium against the Houston Dash.