{"id":22980,"date":"2019-05-29T10:30:46","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T14:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=22980"},"modified":"2020-03-22T11:13:05","modified_gmt":"2020-03-22T15:13:05","slug":"nwsl-wrap-up-washington-keeps-rising-nc-falls-once-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2019\/05\/29\/nwsl-wrap-up-washington-keeps-rising-nc-falls-once-again\/","title":{"rendered":"NWSL Wrap Up: Washington keeps rising, NC falls once again"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bridgeview, Illinois (May 29, 2019) \u2014<\/strong> The Chicago Red Stars<\/a> were riding waves of momentum into their Saturday NWSL contest against the Washington Spirit. Chicago found their groove early this season. The partnership between Sam Kerr<\/a> and Yuki Nagasato<\/a> is better than ever.<\/p>\n

However, most internationals are gone. A few are left and played their final match before heading off to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. One of the players gone was Kerr, who will help Australia in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit also are missing a couple of key internationals, like Rose Lavelle<\/a>, Mallory Pugh<\/a> and Cheyna Matthews<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NWSL Wrap Up: Washington keeps rising, NC falls once again<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The NWSL will go on during the World Cup, but with many teams missing valuable players, the competition is completely wide open.<\/p>\n

That was showcased on Saturday. The Washington Spirit have been quietly climbing up the NWSL standings. They’re a young team, with Washington rookies and second-year players taking plenty of spots in the starting lineup. Jordan DiBiasi<\/a>, Tegan McGrady<\/a> and Sam Staab have been highlight-reel rookies this season.<\/p>\n

In her third season, Ashley Hatch<\/a> is hitting her stride.<\/p>\n

The youthful Washington Spirit headed to Illinois to take on the Red Stars. After upsetting the Portland Thorns last weekend, Washington went into SeatGeek Stadium with plenty of confidence. That confidence paid off with a victory.<\/p>\n

Nagasato scored an own goal in the 9th minute on a crowded corner kick. However, in the 63rd minute, Ashley Hatch snuck one past Emily Boyd<\/a>. Arielle Ship<\/a> recorded the assist for Hatch.<\/p>\n

Chicago did have a golden opportunity moment when Vanessa DiBernardo<\/a> caught Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe<\/a> in a different direction. However, DiBernardo’s potential goal was blocked and headed away by defender Paige Nielsen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Washington has now quietly climbed to second place in the NWSL, with 13 points. Only the Utah Royals, who have the same amount of points, are ahead of the Spirit.<\/p>\n

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Came home with all 3 points! Highlights from #CHIvWAS<\/a> \ud83d\udc47 pic.twitter.com\/ltsC86eGWY<\/a><\/p>\n

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) May 28, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n