Photo Credit: Erica McCaulley/Wikimedia Images
After a nice long month away, it is time to go back to the Plex. On Saturday night the Washington Spirit will head back to the Maryland SoccerPlex to host the Western New York Flash (7pm EST YouTube) with one goal in mind: playoffs.
With a victory on Saturday night and losses by Seattle Reign FC and Sky Blue FC would secure the Spirit their third consecutive playoff appearance. It would also give them their fourth consecutive victory and their eighth victory in ten matches. After a bit of a sputter in May and early June (1-1-2, 5 points) coach Jim Gabarra’s side have moved their way back to the top of the NWSL standings (11-3-2, 35 points).
Although the Spirit handled Western New York in earlier in the season to the tune of 3-0 this is a very different Flash side. Since losing two out of their first three matches the Flash have pulled off a 7-2-3 record positioning themselves to have a chance at earning their first playoff appearance in three years.
The sharp change in play seems to stem from coach Paul Riley’s use of the 4-4-2. Lynn Williams (eight goals in 2016) and Jessica McDonald (seven goals in 2016) have formed one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the NWSL. The Flash like to work north and south with their attacks with either McDonald and Williams making diagonal runs into open space. That in turn forces defenses out of position and opens up chances for the other. The Flash’s balanced attack helped them come from behind in their previous two matches against the Houston Dash.
The good news for Spirit supporters is that for the first time in close to two months the club will be at near full strength. Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe, defender Shelina Zadorsky, and midfielder Diana Matheson will all be available for Saturday’s match after having played in the Olympics for Canada. Having Matheson back will mean free up midfielder Christine Nairn to serve as more of a roving player in the center, setting up Crystal Dunn. Dunn has yet to score this season and will look to break that streak against a Flash side that has allowed 20 goals this season.
What will be interesting to see is who Gabarra chooses to pair up with Dunn up top. The Spirit’s leading scorer, Estefania Banini, will be out for the next 4-6 weeks after having knee surgery last week. In their 2-1 victory over the Orlando Pride last week Gabarra used Cheyna Williams and Cali Farquharson up top with Dunn. The two rookies made an immediate impression with Williams scoring in the 37th minute and Farquharson disrupting the Pride defense down the left flank. Look for Gabarra to give both players a chance on Saturday night.
Beer to try while tailgating: Monocacy Brewing Company Riot Rye India Pale Ale
With the temperature finally dropping here on the East Coast supporters need to have a beer that will go well with the crisp, cool weather. Monocacy Brewing Company’s Riot Rye India Pale provides the right level of bitter hops and malt to make it one of the best beers in Maryland. With the Spirit on the cusp of making the playoffs once again supporters should try the Riot Rye ahead of Saturday’s match.
