Washington Spirit Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury Delivers Epic Winning Shot at NWSL Skills Challenge
In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury launched an epic winning shot at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Skills Challenge. The event, which took place in San Diego, California on November 10th, showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of the league’s top players.
The Skills Challenge, a first-of-its-kind event, featured a variety of challenges designed to test the players’ abilities and showcase their unique skills. However, it wasn’t without its share of drama. During the crossbar event, event officials lost count of the score, allowing the opposing Western conference team to catch up and tie the proceedings.
Not one to be deterred, Kingsbury took matters into her own hands. Determined to secure victory for her Eastern Conference team, she launched an over-40-yard blast toward the goal post. The ball thundered off the post and onto the pitch, prompting a jubilant celebration from Kingsbury’s teammates.
I came to win, so that was very gratifying, Kingsbury said. Especially after they lost count, so I was like, ‘OK, I’ll show them. Time to end this right now.’
Kingsbury’s exceptional performance didn’t stop there. She also excelled in the shootout challenge, where she stopped three of four shooters, solidifying her status as the star of the Skills Challenge. With her stellar performance, Kingsbury proved why she is a two-time Goalkeeper of the Year.
Reflecting on the event, Kingsbury expressed her enthusiasm and shared her thoughts on its future. She hopes to see the Skills Challenge evolve, possibly incorporating games like mini soccer golf or relay races to involve more players and create an even more exciting experience.
The Skills Challenge served as a prelude to the highly anticipated NWSL championship match, which took place on November 11th. The match saw Gotham FC emerge victorious, earning their first league title with a 2-1 win over OL Reign. Midge Purce, a native of Silver Spring, Maryland, played a key role in Gotham FC’s triumph with two crucial assists.
Participating in the Skills Challenge wasn’t initially on Kingsbury’s radar. After Washington Spirit’s season ended, she planned to rest and train following an intense year that included representing the U.S. women’s national team at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. However, an opportunity presented itself just a week before the event, and Kingsbury seized it eagerly.
The Skills Challenge drew over 500 fans to Surf Sports Park in Del Mar, where they witnessed the league’s top players compete in a thrilling display of athleticism. Players such as Lo’eau LaBonta, Crystal Dunn, and Jaedyn Shaw showcased their skills and made the event truly memorable.
Kingsbury lauded the camaraderie among the players from different teams and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to compete alongside them outside the confines of a regular-season match. It provided a chance to get to know her opponents on a more personal level and build relationships beyond the competitive arena.
While everyone involved would have preferred to be playing in the NWSL Championship, Kingsbury emphasized the positive aspects of the Skills Challenge. It promoted the league, turning the final into a destination weekend akin to sports title games. Kingsbury hailed it as a great event that not only entertained fans but also allowed players to bond and forge connections across teams.
Looking ahead, Kingsbury is already preparing to defend her title at next year’s Skills Challenge. She hopes to see her Washington Spirit teammates join her in the competition, envisioning a format similar to March Madness where teams compete against each other in a bracket-style tournament.
With her outstanding performance and unwavering determination, Aubrey Kingsbury has solidified her position as one of the NWSL’s brightest stars. Her winning shot at the Skills Challenge will undoubtedly be remembered as a thrilling moment in the league’s history, showcasing the incredible talent and competitive spirit of the players.
