On a steamy Friday night, with tensions high in the city after recent deployment of National Guard and other federal troops, the Washington Spirit faced off against Racing Louisville. While the Spirit held a lot of the ball and had a number of chances, they were only able to manage a last minute draw against the mid-table visitors.
The game saw the first start and home appearance of new signing and Ballon d’Or nominee, Sofia Cantore. Cantore didn’t disappoint as she opened here NWSL account with a 39th minute banger from distance that bounced off the underside of the crossbar and directly down into goal. The Spirit kept that lead into halftime.
However, the second half had a number of foibles by the Spirit that would see them trailing. Just after the crowd spent the 52nd minute (51 on the clock) chanting “Free DC”, Louisville were able to capitalize on an attack. Racing midfielder Taylor Flint sent a shot in that first deflected off Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos and then off Spirit defender Rebeca Bernal. The goal was determined to be a Bernal own goal.
Then in the 80th minute, after it seemed Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury had managed to stop a Racing attack, the center referee was called to the monitor to check for a penalty in the box. It was determined that Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos had tripped Racing midfielder Ary Borges. Racing was awarded a penalty kick, which midfielder Savannah DeMelo was able to put into the back of the net.
With 11 minutes of stoppage time, the Spirit continue to push for the equalizer. Just as the minutes were ticking down, Spirit forward Rosemonde Kouassi got the ball, weaved her way through some traffic, and was able to put a ball just past Racing goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer. The 110th minute goal saved a point for the Spirit, keeping them in 2nd place ahead of the remainder of the weekend games.
