Game Winning Goal
Washington Spirit forward Makenna Morris scored the game winning goal in the 78th minute in a 2-1 win over Angel City last week.
Morris popped the ball up and over Angel City goalkeeper DiDi Haracic and into the goal for the winner.
Other Player Contributions
Ashley Hatch also scored for the Spirit (15-5-2), who have already clinched a berth in the National Women’s Soccer league playoffs. Hatch held off Angel City defender Megan Reid and scored in the 39th minute.
Messiah Bright evened the match for Angel City in the 51st when she scored off a cross from Alyssa Thompson.
More on Makenna
Morris was raised in Germantown, Maryland. She has a sister, Maliah, who played with her at Clemson. She played youth soccer for Elite Club National League club McLean and played in high school for St. John’s College High School.
College Career
Morris was a four-year starter for the Clemson Tigers, making 80 appearances from 2020 to 2023 and received All-ACC honors three times. She converted penalty kicks in two NCAA tournament shootout wins in her freshman 2020 season, helping Clemson to the quarterfinals. She recorded six goals and a career-high nine assists as a sophomore in 2021. Though listed on the roster as a defender, she operated in her roles of outside back or box-to-box midfielder as one of the team’s top contributors to the attack, especially in her senior year when she paced the team with ten goals and six assists in 2023. She scored two of her goals in the NCAA tournament, helping lead the team to the national semifinals.
Professional Career
Morris was drafted by the Washington Spirit 13th overall in the first round of the 2024 NWSL Draft. She signed a one-year contract and recently signed for another year in 2025. She made her first start and scored her first professional goal in a game against Bay FC on July 6, in which she also became the first Spirit player to score, assist, and draw a penalty in one game.
Washington Spirit Playoffs
The win against Angel City showcased the Spirit’s strength and determination on the field while highlighting key performances, including pivotal moments where they capitalized on scoring opportunities.
The match saw the Spirit controlling much of the play, with standout contributions from both veteran and rising players.
This victory helps solidify the Spirit’s position in the standings, adding momentum to their season and clinching a playoff spot.
