How the Spirit’s delayed sub became the turning point of the NWSL Championship – Equalizer Soccer

Photo Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

San Jose, Calif. — Rarely does a soccer match hinge so directly on coaching decisions as Saturday’s National Women’s Soccer League Championship at PayPal Park. The highlight was Rose Lavelle’s goal, the only one in Gotham’s 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit. But there was also the yellow card, the struggling Rookie of the Year, the injury, and the sub that happened too late.

The story within the story began in the final moments of the first half when Gotham’s Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale took down Washington’s Rose Kouassi with a professional foul that earned an easy yellow card. When the action resumed after halftime, Kouassi continued going at Reale, and on at least one occasion nearly had Reale on a second yellow. Just before Trinity Rodman checked in, the Spirit had their best chance of the match, but Leicy Santos was denied when Emily Sonnett got down and blocked her shot.

Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amorós made the proactive decision and removed Reale for Bruninha.