The Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage played to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Audi Field Wednesday night, with the clubs splitting points in the Challenge Cup standings.
North Carolina started on the front foot, with Debinha following up on a failed clearance in the Spirit box, slotting in the finish to put the Courage up 1-0 just five minutes into the match.
It's @Debinha7 on the scene 💥@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/QQKfMZm7du— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 30, 2022
It's @Debinha7 on the scene 💥@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/QQKfMZm7du
The Courage added to their lead in the 26th minute, with Taylor Smith executing a well-timed run down the center of the field, splitting the Spirit backline before beating Aubrey Kingsbury to double North Carolina’s lead.
Fantastic ball from @Cars_Pickett16 👀Clinical finish from @taylornsmith11_ 💥@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/MqiNvz7exV— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022
Fantastic ball from @Cars_Pickett16 👀Clinical finish from @taylornsmith11_ 💥@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/MqiNvz7exV
The second half marked a shift in momentum as the Spirit emerged from the break with renewed energy.
In the 58th minute, Trinity Rodman put Washington on the board, with the Spirit star bodying down a long ball into the box before roofing a shot over the Courage keeper.
🚀 RODMAN ROCKET 🚀@trinity_rodman | @WashSpirit pic.twitter.com/YueKGfu4ND— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022
🚀 RODMAN ROCKET 🚀@trinity_rodman | @WashSpirit pic.twitter.com/YueKGfu4ND
Less than ten minutes later, Ashley Hatch equalized, nodding in a lofted cross from Julia Roddar to put the game at 2-2.
Hatchin' up with equalizer‼️@ash_hatch33 | @WashSpirit pic.twitter.com/0dKPoBePSw— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022
Hatchin' up with equalizer‼️@ash_hatch33 | @WashSpirit pic.twitter.com/0dKPoBePSw
The even scoreline held until the final whistle, with the teams splitting points to keep the Courage atop the East Division and placing the Spirit in third.