Washington, D.C. (10/01/2022) – The Washington Spirit will close out its 2022 season at home with a match against the Houston Dash on Saturday night at Audi Field.
Taking the pitch one last time in 2022, the reigning NWSL champs will take on a Houston Dash side that is headed for its first playoff appearance in the club’s nine-year history. After North Carolina failed to get a win over San Diego Friday night, the Dash locked up one of the two remaining postseason spots that were up for grabs entering the final weekend. Despite not getting the chance to play spoiler on Saturday night, the Spirit will look to end its season on a high note as its home finale will double as Fan Appreciation Night.
The Spirit defense will have to take on a top-three attack led by forward Ebony Salmon this weekend. Salmon, who is tied with Ashley Hatch for the sixth-most goals this regular season, has tallied nine of Houston’s 33 total scores so far. With defending third mainstays Kelley O’Hara and Emily Sonnett still out, Washington will need a stout performance from its next players up. On the other end of the pitch, Houston’s defending third has allowed the fifth-most goals this season and has to see a fully healthy Spirit attacking third that has shown flashes of its championship form in 2022. Washington’s attacking core of Ashley Hatch, Trinity Rodman, Ashley Sanchez and Tara McKeown has combined for 19 goals in the regular season and 31 total goals in all 2022 competitions.
The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ for fans in the United States and on Twitch for international viewers. Following the match, the Spirit will host a press conference with interim head coach Albertin Montoya and two players. Fans can stream the postgame presser via the Washington Spirit Twitch channel.
Availability Report
OUT:
Tori Huster – SEI left lower leg
Emily Sonnett – SEI foot
Kelley O’Hara – hip
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