Tara McKeown, forward-turned-defender, fuels Spirit’s strong start

Since shifting to the back line last season, McKeown has developed into a defensive stalwart for the Spirit, which is off to a 6-3-0 start.

May 17, 2024 at 9:36 a.m. EDT

Week after week against the league’s top forwards, Tara McKeown has produced either a key tackle, a clearance or an interception to deny scoring chances and hold Washington’s line. (Troy Wayrynen/USA Today Sports)Late in the first half of a match between the Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit earlier this month, Sophia Smith and Tara McKeown battled inside the box.

Smith, the high-scoring Portland forward and NWSL Golden Boot front-runner, had controlled a pass on her strong foot and looked ready to make a move toward goal.…