Recap: Spirit falls to Arsenal, 1-2, in the first of two historic Washington Spirit International Friendlies

Washington, D.C. (08/18/2024) – In the inaugural Washington Spirit International Friendlies match, the Washington Spirit fell short, 1-2, in a hard-fought match against Arsenal W.F.C.

A crowd of 15,062 — the Spirit’s sixth-largest crowd in team history — welcomed Arsenal on its maiden voyage to the United States. Today marked the first match back at Audi Field for the Spirit since its June 29 match against North Carolina Courage.

The Starting XI saw the insertion of some new faces, namely Leicy Santos and Rosemonde Kouassi who both made their Spirit debuts. First-year players Makenna Morris and Heather Stainbrook also earned a spot in the starting lineup. Paige Metayer took the field in a new position at left-back. Crucially, the Spirit was without its four gold medal-winning United States Women’s National Team players: Trinity Rodman, Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt and Casey Krueger.

Arsenal struck first – and quickly. Forward Alessia Russo whipped a ball past Aubrey Kingsbury following a pop-up inside of the box in the tenth minute.

Ouleye Sarr and the Spirit responded quickly with Sarr logging one of her team-high three first-half shots on goal while Spirit newcomer Kouassi added pressure on the left wing during build-up play.

Momentum slowly shifted as the Spirit began controlling the pace and possession of the match. Sarr punctuated this shift after sending a shot directly at the Arsenal keeper inside the six-yard box. A scramble ensued and ultimately ended up with Andi Sullivan in control of the ball at midfield where she sent a perfectly-placed cross into the box. Sarr’s head connected with the ball as she lobbed it over the keeper to equalize the match in the 47th minute. The half ended with both teams locked at one goal apiece, setting the tone for a competitive second half.

Back-and-forth play characterized the beginning of the second half with neither team controlling the match. Despite issuing multiple attempts at the Arsenal goal, the Spirit was unable to gain a lead in the match.

Arsenal took advantage of the Spirit’s inability to finish inside the box when, in the 74th minute, Russo tallied a brace and increased the Arsenal lead to 2-1. The goal came off an errant pass that led to Russo’s transition play.

As the final minutes waned, the Spirit relentlessly attacked the Arsenal goal. Several corners and shots inside the box from players like Metayer and Brittany Ratcliffe proved fruitless, and the scoreline stood.

Next up, the Spirit welcomes the Kansas City Current for the resumption of the NWSL regular season and a first-of-its-kind doubleheader event at Audi Field. This match, kicking off at 12 p.m. EDT, will be the Spirit’s annual DC Ward Day and will include a unique FanZone and small business market outside of the gates.

Following the Spirit match, Arsenal will return, clashing with rival Chelsea in a battle of England’s top teams. Tickets will get fans into both matches. To learn more about the Washington Spirit International Friendlies, visit WashingtonSpirit.com/friendlies.

 

-NWSL Match Report-

Match: Washington Spirit vs. Arsenal W.F.C.

Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024

Venue: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. EDT

Weather: Sunny, high-80s

 

Scoring Summary:

Goals	1	2	F
Washington	1	0	1
Arsenal	1	1	2

ARS – Alessia Russo – 10’

WAS – Ouyleye Sarr – 47’ (assisted by Andi Sullivan)

ARS – Alessia Russo – 74’

 

Lineups:

WAS:  1 – Aubrey Kingsbury; 5- Annaïg Butel; 9 – Tara McKeown; 14 – Gabby Carle; 26 – Paige Metayer; 10 – Leicy Santos (33 – Ashley Hatch, 71’); 12 – Andi Sullivan; 22 – Heather Strainbrook (16 – Courtney Brown, 71’); 8 -Makenna Morris (13 – Brittany Ratcliffe, 71’); 11 – Ouleye Sarr (32 – Jenna Butler, 84’); 19 – Rosemonde Kouassi (4 – Lena Silano, 79’)

Unused Substitutes: 28 – Nicole Barnhart;  31 – Kaylie Collins

 

ARS: 1 – Manuela Zinsberger (40 – Naomi Williams, 60’); 6 – Leah Williamson (59 – Michelle Agyemang, 45’); 53 -Vivienne Lia (7 – Steph Catley, 77’); 11 – Katie McCabe (26 – Laura Wienroither, 45’); 62 – Katie Reid; 10 – Kim Little (32 – Kyra Cooney-Cross, 77’); 12 – Frida Maanum (16 – Rosa Kafaji, 45’); 22 – Kathrine Kuhl (61 – Madison Earl, 77’); 9 – Beth Mead (3 – Lotte Wubben-Moy, 45’); 23 -Alessia Russo (19 – Caitlin Foord, 77’); 56 – Freya Godfrey (60 – Laila Harbert, 77’).

 

Stats Summary: WAS / ARS

Shots:  17/5

Shots On Goal: 6 / 4

Saves: 2 / 5

Fouls: 2/6

Offsides: 3 / 3

 

Misconduct Summary:

ARS – Caitlin Foord – 83’ – Yellow Card

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