Washington Spirit defender Amber Brooks has been suspended and fined after making an obscene gesture during the 82nd minute of the club’s Sept. 10 match against the San Diego Wave.
The NWSL announced the disciplinary action Friday, citing Section 12.3.6, “Major Game Misconduct” in the League Operations Manual.
As a result of the suspension, Brooks will miss the Spirit’s Wednesday matchup against Angel City FC. Brooks will also miss the team’s Saturday game against Gotham FC, serving a one-game suspension for card accumulation.
https://t.co/eRN2JkmICW pic.twitter.com/Qcwp6jbYJp
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) September 16, 2022
The incident and subsequent action from the league have sparked debate among fans, with many condemning the move by the NWSL.
Brooks’ gesture, made after a call by the game official, has reignited a conversation about the quality of the league’s referring, which has been a topic of discussion throughout the NWSL season.
The Spirit will take the field without Brooks on Saturday, facing off against Gotham FC at Audi Field at 7 pm ET.
The Washington Spirit won their first game since May 1 on Saturday, snapping a 16-game regular-season winless streak with the team’s thrilling 4-3 victory over the San Diego Wave.
Ashley Hatch notched the game-winner, slotting home a penalty kick in extra time to seal the game for the Spirit.
“I was grateful the team gave me the opportunity to step up and put the game away,” Hatch told reporters.
The @WashSpirit snap their winless streak behind a 100’ PK by @ash_hatch33 👏 pic.twitter.com/WGs0BxHWc8
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) September 10, 2022
“It was just a lot of relief when Hatchy slotted it in and the whistle blew,” Amber Brooks said of the team’s winning effort.
The defender notched a pair of first-half goals herself, helping to put the Spirit up 3-1 ahead of the half.
The Wave, however, came out of the break determined, and with the help of Alex Morgan, San Diego managed to work their way back into the game.
The veteran striker notched her first goal in the 57th minute, burying a shot from the spot, before heading in her 15th goal of the regular season to equalize in the 82nd minute.
Morgan is now three goals shy of tying Sam Kerr’s NWSL regular season scoring record of 18.
Alex “GOLDEN BOOT” Morgan with her 15th of the season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ieOUhwcxfR
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) September 10, 2022
For a moment, it looked as though Washington had once again blown a substantial lead late in the game, but Hatch’s walk-off PK salvaged a much-needed win for Washington.
“Their celebration at the end explains it all because they’ve been going through quite a bit,” Interim coach Albertin Montoya said of the team. “They had that belief in themselves. Obviously, it’s a very talented team, but that belief and positive energy paid off at the end.”
Saturday’s victory marked Montoya’s debut with the Spirit, with the interim coach replacing former head coach Kris Ward, who was fired in August.
A vibrant crowd of 10,158 packed Audi field, including Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Harris, who cheered on the Spirit.
Washington will look to continue their winning ways when they take on Gotham FC, who is eliminated from postseason contention, on Saturday.