Sky Blue FC warming up before the game.
Sky Blue FC warming up before the game.
Christie Rampone of Sky Blue FC warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Christie Rampone of Sky Blue FC warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
washington spirit
Niki Cross of the Washington Spirit before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Niki Cross of the Washington Spirit before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Diana Matheson of the Washington Spirit before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Diana Matheson of the Washington Spirit before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Crystal Dunn of the Washington Spirit warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Crystal Dunn of the Washington Spirit warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Kerstin Garefrekes of the Washington Spirit warming up before the Spirit's match against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Kerstin Garefrekes of the Washington Spirit warming up before the Spirit's match against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Brittany Cameron of Sky Blue FC warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Brittany Cameron of Sky Blue FC warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Kelley O'Hara warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Kelley O'Hara warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Sophie Schmidt of Sky Blue FC warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Sophie Schmidt of Sky Blue FC warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Adelaide Gay of the Washington Spirit warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Adelaide Gay of the Washington Spirit warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Chantel Jones warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Chantel Jones warming up before the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
sky blue fc starting lineup
Sky Blue FC starting lineup against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Sky Blue FC starting lineup against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Washington Spirit starting lineup against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Washington Spirit starting lineup against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Sophie Schmidt clears the ball agains the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Sophie Schmidt clears the ball agains the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Alex Singer during the game on August 16, 2014.
Alex Singer during the game on August 16, 2014.
Christie Rampone during the game on August 16, 2014.
Christie Rampone during the game on August 16, 2014.
Tori Huster and Ali Krieger defending against Kelley O'Hara. (August 16, 2014)
Tori Huster and Ali Krieger defending against Kelley O'Hara. (August 16, 2014)
Diana Matheson after a challenge during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Diana Matheson after a challenge during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Lori Lindsey controls the ball during the game on August 16, 2014.
Lori Lindsey controls the ball during the game on August 16, 2014.
Maya Hayes heads for goal on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Maya Hayes heads for goal on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Sky Blue FC's Katy Freels. (August 16, 2014)
Sky Blue FC's Katy Freels. (August 16, 2014)
Alex Singer during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Alex Singer during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Toni Pressley moves forward agains Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Toni Pressley moves forward agains Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Kelley O'Hara controls the ball against Toni Pressley. (August 16, 2014)
Kelley O'Hara controls the ball against Toni Pressley. (August 16, 2014)
Jill Loyden prepares to take the goal kick against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden prepares to take the goal kick against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Sophie Schmidt, Lori Lindsey, and Ashley Nick battle for the header on August 16, 2014.
Sophie Schmidt, Lori Lindsey, and Ashley Nick battle for the header on August 16, 2014.
Monica Ocampo celebrates with her teammates after scoring. (August 16, 2014)
Monica Ocampo celebrates with her teammates after scoring. (August 16, 2014)
Lori Lindsey. Congratulations on a great career. Well played.
Lori Lindsey. Congratulations on a great career. Well played.
Christie Rampone clears the ball as Lisa De Vanna challenges. (August 16, 2014)
Christie Rampone clears the ball as Lisa De Vanna challenges. (August 16, 2014)
Sky Blue FC's Katy Freels and Washington Spirit's Tori Huster battle for the ball.
Sky Blue FC's Katy Freels and Washington Spirit's Tori Huster battle for the ball.
Christine Nairn reacts during the game on August 16, 2014.
Christine Nairn reacts during the game on August 16, 2014.
Crystal Dunn and Kelley O'Hara battle for the ball. (August 16, 2014)
Crystal Dunn and Kelley O'Hara battle for the ball. (August 16, 2014)
Camille Levin during the game against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Camille Levin during the game against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Diana Matheson looks to attack during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Diana Matheson looks to attack during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Diana Matheson and Christie Rampone battling for the ball during the game on August 16, 2014.
Diana Matheson and Christie Rampone battling for the ball during the game on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden directs traffic during the game on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden directs traffic during the game on August 16, 2014.
Chantel Jones stretches out for a save during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Chantel Jones stretches out for a save during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Caitlin Foord and Kerstin Garefrekes during the game on August 16, 2014.
Caitlin Foord and Kerstin Garefrekes during the game on August 16, 2014.
Tori Huster clears the ball during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Tori Huster clears the ball during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden makes a save during the game on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden makes a save during the game on August 16, 2014.
Lisa De Vanna looks to attack during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Lisa De Vanna looks to attack during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Lisa De Vanna shields the ball from Sophie Schmidt on August 16, 2014.
Lisa De Vanna shields the ball from Sophie Schmidt on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden makes a save in the game on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden makes a save in the game on August 16, 2014.
Ali Krieger is fouled during the game on August 16, 2014.
Ali Krieger is fouled during the game on August 16, 2014.
Yael Averbuch congratulating Lori Lindsey during Lindsey's final game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Yael Averbuch congratulating Lori Lindsey during Lindsey's final game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey exiting the game for the final time on August 16, 2014, at Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey exiting the game for the final time on August 16, 2014, at Maryland SoccerPlex.
Diana Matheson on the ball. (August 16, 2014)
Diana Matheson on the ball. (August 16, 2014)
Crystal Dunn and Sophie Schmidt battle for the ball. (August 16, 2014)
Crystal Dunn and Sophie Schmidt battle for the ball. (August 16, 2014)
Lisa De Vanna during the game. (August 16, 2014)
Lisa De Vanna during the game. (August 16, 2014)
Christine Nairn and Jonelle Filigno battle for the ball as Alex Singer looks on. (August 16, 2014)
Christine Nairn and Jonelle Filigno battle for the ball as Alex Singer looks on. (August 16, 2014)
Kelley O'Hara during the game. (August 16, 2014)
Kelley O'Hara during the game. (August 16, 2014)
Alex Singer runs for the rebound off a Jill Loyden save. (August 16, 2014)
Alex Singer runs for the rebound off a Jill Loyden save. (August 16, 2014)
Action during the game between Sky Blue FC and the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Action during the game between Sky Blue FC and the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Jill Loyden celebrating the win against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden celebrating the win against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014.
Christie Rampone and Jill Loyden celebrate the win against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Christie Rampone and Jill Loyden celebrate the win against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Ali Krieger waves to the fans at the Washington Spirit's final home game of the season on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Ali Krieger waves to the fans at the Washington Spirit's final home game of the season on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Yael Averbuch after the game. (August 16, 2014)
Yael Averbuch after the game. (August 16, 2014)
Jill Loyden enjoying the Lori Lindsey farewell tribute video after the game on August 16, 2014.
Jill Loyden enjoying the Lori Lindsey farewell tribute video after the game on August 16, 2014.
Veronica Perez, Chantel Jones, and Diana Matheson watching the Lindsey farewell video tribute after the game on August 16, 2014.
Veronica Perez, Chantel Jones, and Diana Matheson watching the Lindsey farewell video tribute after the game on August 16, 2014.
Ali Krieger enjoying Lori Lindsey's farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Ali Krieger enjoying Lori Lindsey's farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey and Sally Shipard enjoying the farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey and Sally Shipard enjoying the farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey and Sally Shipard enjoying the farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey and Sally Shipard enjoying the farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey and her Washington Spirit teammates react to the farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Lori Lindsey and her Washington Spirit teammates react to the farewell video after the game on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Ali Krieger after the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Ali Krieger after the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Christie Rampone after the game against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Christie Rampone after the game against the Washington Spirit on August 16, 2014, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Ali Krieger during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.
Ali Krieger during the game against Sky Blue FC on August 16, 2014.

Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC in Photos: 08-16-2014

·
Caroline CharruyerImagesNWSLSky Blue FCWashington Spirit
···2 min read
[dropcap size=small]T[/dropcap]he Washington Spirit’s final home match against Sky Blue FC proved to be meaningful for two reasons: a win would clinch a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs for the Spirit and it was Spirit midfielder Lori Lindsey’s last game after announcing her retirement in an “Open Love Letter to Soccer” earlier in the week.

Sky Blue’s Monica Ocampo volleyed a shot past Spirit goalkeeper Chantel Jones in the 27th minute for the lone goal of the match as the Spirit fell, 1-0, to the visitors. The Spirit would still make the playoffs, however, after the Chicago Red Stars drew with the Western New York Flash to send them through after claiming the head-to-head series against Chicago.

Photojournalist Caroline Charruyer was there to capture it all. Visiting from Europe, Charruyer shared her observations on some of the differences she’s noticed between European leagues and the NWSL:

There were a couple of things different between Europe and NWSL. The main one being the audience. The NWSL audience is mainly made of children or teenagers who do not seem very interested in the game and are just waiting for the final whistle to get an autograph. In France and Germany, there are some families but the main core audience are adults who are there to support their regional team regardless of the number of national team players. The “golf clapping” at the SBFC [Sky Blue FC] game I saw in April was quite depressing. I feel like a team like Portland has the kind of support a team in Europe would. It makes the game more entertaining.

The next difference might be a bit more personal. When I watch a game, I get very passionate about it, which often leads to standing up, yelling, and sometimes swearing. I was quite astonished when the field announcer reminded everyone to behave. Although I can understand it because there are so many kids, I find it hard to implement. I don’t think I could have done the entire U.S. Women’s National Team versus Canadian Women’s National Team semifinal game at the 2012 Olympics without behaving a bit out of bounds, much like the rest of the stadium. The kids who were present were not phased by it at all. I guess this is mainly a problem within the women’s game. I’m sure crowds at NFL games behave a wee more rowdy.

In terms of play, the players are more physical. I found that they went 1v1 a lot less than in Europe. It kind of felt like they were afraid of touching the other players for fear of getting a yellow card (I cannot blame them for that considering the refereeing this season). For a photographer, that makes the game a tad boring to shoot at times. Between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain, there might not be any goals but they fight to win, and the results in pictures is usually great because they challenge each other a lot, kind of like when the USWNT and the Swedish Women’s National Team meet.