The Washington Spirit played catch up through much of the match against Angel City, but were not able to hold on to the draw under the Friday night lights at Audi Field. Angel City came out early and scored in the 8th minute on a cross to forward Riley Tiernan, who had a relatively easy opportunity to convert by putting the ball into the net before Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, making her team and league debut, could get back across the goal to stop it. Angel City then scored again the 22nd minute when Alyssa Thompson sent a cross to her sister, defender Gisele Thompson who sent a quick shot into the net for her first professional goal.
The Spirit then started making their comeback. In the 30th minute, Spirit defender Gabby Carle sent a long ball into the box from midfielder. Forward Ashley hatch was able to flick the ball on with a header to defender Esme Morgan, who netted her first NWSL goal. Then in the 40th minute, Ashley Hatch got onto the end of a beautiful pass and was charging to goal when Angel City goalkeeper Angelina came out to clear the ball at the top of the box, leaving the goal empty. The clearance went right to Spirit forward Rosemonde Kouassi who kicked the ball to fellow forward Gift Monday. Monday was able to provide a little redirect of the ball into the empty net, bringing the game level. Later in the first half the Spirit were initially awarded a PK, but on VAR review it was overturned and the half ended tied.
The second half saw three more goals. Angel City took the lead back in the 72nd minute on a Katie Zelem goal from the top of the box. Esme Morgan brought the game level again in the 89th minute after the ball was recycled to Brittany Ratcliffe put a header at her feet and Morgan was able to put the ball just inside the left post for a brace. It looked like the game would end tied until Angel City were able to snag the win in the last minute of extra time as Angel City put in a corner kick that was redirected toward goal and forward Riley Tiernan was able to turn and put the ball past the Spirit goalkeeper.
The Spirit now have 12 points with 4 wins and 3 losses (all at home) while Angel move to 3-2-2 with only one point less. The Spirit play next in Chicago against the stars on May 10th.
