With the Washington Spirit mathematically eliminated from the NWSL Challenge Cup before Tuesday’s group stage finale against Gotham FC, the match at Audi Field amounted to a glorified regular season tuneup for Coach Richie Burke’s squad.
It was a fitting representation of the inexperienced but talent-laden side, with the Spirit flashing its potential but finding a win elusive in a 0-0 draw with the New Jersey-based visitors. A makeshift back line, playing without suspended star Kelley O’Hara, settled in after a shaky start while Washington, after conceding the better scoring chances before halftime, seized control after the break and carved out a slew of opportunities.