BOYDS, MARYLAND (May 23, 2018) — After weeks of being listed on the NWSL injury report, Rose Lavelle was taken off earlier in the week.
On Wednesday, the midfielder made her season debut for the Washington Spirit. It was also her club debut, as she joined Washington in the off-season through the Boston Breakers Dispersal Draft.
Lavelle, who entered the match in the 71st minute for Estefanía Banini, said that Spirit head coach Jim Gabarra told her to enjoy the match and have fun.
Ashely Hatch Scores, Rose Lavelle Returns in Washington Spirit Victory
“I think coming back it’s hard not to have high expectations for myself,” Lavelle said. “That’s something I struggled a little early on, getting back into practice. Jim helped me stay grounded and made me realize that I needed to give myself some time to get back into it.”
Lavelle also said that it “felt really good” to be back on the pitch.
“I was really nervous going in,” Lavelle said. “I haven’t played in about a lifetime. I was really nervous, but it was the same game as before I got hurt. I had to calm down, let my nerves settle and just enjoy the moment.”
Lavelle entered the match after the game-winning goal was scored by forward Ashley Hatch. The goal was Hatch’s second of the season.
Andi Sullivan assisted Hatch’s goal, which was a header off a free kick.
“It was a good game,” Hatch said after the match. “It felt good to get that win. We all played really well as a team. Individuals stepped up when they needed to. I think it was a good game. I’m proud of us.”
Meanwhile, Sky Blue FC remains winless. After the match, Sky Blue FC Head Coach Denise Reddy said the result was “unfortunate.”
“We probably should have been up one or two goals during the first half, and we got a bit pressed in the second half,” Reddy said. “In order to get at least a point on the road, we have to have to capitalize on our chances, and we cannot allow ourselves to give up a goal on a set piece.”
Here it is! @roselavelle makes her Spirit debut!
Checking in for @EstefiBanini_10.#WeWill // #WASvNJ pic.twitter.com/q9jhPuGQLC— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) May 24, 2018
Three Takeaways
- Still waiting on Yanara Aedo: The Washington Spirit still haven’t played forward Yanara Aedo. Even though she’s not a popular NWSL player or a treasured U.S. Women’s National Team player, she still deserves some time. Again, this is a player who helped Chile earn their first trip to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Sky Blue still winless: Could Sky Blue FC become the Cleveland Browns of the NWSL? With the way the club is playing, it’s looking toward that direction. Just like Cleveland during the NFL season, Sky Blue hasn’t won a single match. Yet, Carli Lloyd still got a full 90 minutes of action.
- Is it time to bench Sheridan? The defense of Sky Blue is absolutely responsible for the club not winning a single match. Also responsible is goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Maybe it’s time for Reddy to put in backup goalkeeper Caroline Casey.
Check out @ash_hatch33's 2nd goal as a member of the #SpiritFam!
1-0.#WeWill // #WASvNJ pic.twitter.com/cBc44A9Zg7— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) May 24, 2018
