With lingering injuries and absences, Rosemonde Kouassi’s impact remains crucial for Spirit – Equalizer Soccer

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Washington Spirit got back on track this week with a 3-2 away win at Chicago Stars, which gave them some much-needed three points. The display wasn’t vintage Spirit, but getting the points and having more moments of positivity in their play was key in last weekend’s match.

Injuries still blight the Spirit, but they are slowly getting some of their players back to full fitness. Croix Bethune came off the bench again to get more meaningful minutes. However, it was winger Rosemonde Kouassi who looked like she was finally back to full fitness after missing a significant chunk of this season.

For their win against Chicago, it seemed the Washington Spirit’s best route to scoring goals would come through their wide players. It was a test for Chicago’s backline as they faced the explosiveness of Kouassi and the guile of Ashley Hatch with her quick combinations and dangerous solo duels. 

That is how Jonatan Giraldez’s side created some of their goals: with Kouassi dragging the full-back outside and ensuring she kept beating the player to get to the byline and cross, or drive into the box herself.