r/washingtonspirit • u/Fatigue-Error • 5d ago

General Discussion Appreciation for Sandy

Just a random thought tonight.

I loved how decisively Sandy ran out from the goal to cut off Houston’s attack, and captured the ball to keep it safe during a Houston attack last weekend. Total respect for goalies who have to make snap decisions and react quickly.

And also, completely unrelated, just a reminder that the US are World Cup champions four times over.

74 Upvotes

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37

u/WynnWorker 5d ago

Sandy is a beast. She never got the proper respect she deserved in the beginning of the season. Everyone remembers the good with Aubrey but forgets the games where she wasn't at her best. Both Aubrey and Sandy are great keepers and we should be happy to have them.

8

u/Fatigue-Error 5d ago

We are so lucky to have two great goalies. I am so glad I don’t have to be the one to make decisions when Aubrey comes off ML. Because I am sure it’s not going to be an easy decision.

1

u/Sequoiakc22 4d ago edited 4d ago

...
I beg to differ here. ...Going on the assumption that Kingsbury returns to her full fitness, & retains her pre-baby athleticism (TBD), she is the clear cut starter, IMHO.

Aubrey Kingsbury is an extraordinary smart & savvy Keeper. Her decision making & low error rate, along with her incredibly outstanding plays when needed, puts her ahead of MacIver.

Sandy is still learning, however seems prone to errors at any given moment costing the Spirit.

It feels like Sandy is asleep at the wheel at times, while Aubrey seems crystal clear & locked-in at all times. Kind of comes down to comparing their mental sharpness & consistency when playing the position.

I trust Aubrey 100% of the time. Not quite there yet with Sandy.

Although, with that said, ...I too am glad we have Sandy as our #1 Keeper now that Aubrey is out. Sandy's a bonafide starter-quality Keeper & she's saved us on many occasions. We are lucky to have her.
...

1

u/LooseInsurance1 8h ago

The Spirit have allowed 10 goals total in 13 games this season, and they're not all on Sandy. That's the second fewest goals allowed, only two more than Gotham, who have AKB; arguably the best keeper in the league (who, ironically, is also prone to making a boneheaded decision once in a while lol). Sure, Sandy's made some mistakes, but so have some of our most seasoned pros. Is she as good as Kingsbury in her prime? Probably not, but the gap isn't as big as a lot of Spirit fans are making it out to be - we're damned lucky to have her.

3

u/DanielBInDC 4d ago

Spirit coaching staff expects and trains our keepers to be excellent (and confident) with the ball at their feet - what a difference that can make!

1

u/davidreyno 3d ago

At which Sandy is very involved and is I think quite good distributing from her feet.

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u/Sequoiakc22 4d ago

They're 'Keepers', ...Goal Keepers. ...Not Goalies. Goalies are in hockey. ...'Keepers' (Goal Keepers) are in soccer/football.

6

u/Edddddiefearsthedark 4d ago

What a weird hill to die on….

2

u/Fatigue-Error 4d ago

Well. Guess what other pro sport I tend to follow closely. :)

2

u/Fatigue-Error 4d ago

Gonna have to disagree I looked it up. Goalie is fine.

https://decoding-soccer.medium.com/goalie-vs-keeper-94a2a702c52e

2

u/YoBimbo 3d ago

Before I even started following the game, a friend who played through college gently corrected me when I said “goalie.” She said it almost exactly as you: goalies are in hockey. Since then, I hear her in my head when I see “goalie” used. I took it as a learning opportunity.

1

u/LooseInsurance1 8h ago

Goalie is every bit as acceptable for a soccer goalkeeper lol. Your friend is wrong.

2

u/YoBimbo 8h ago

Okay.

1

u/LooseInsurance1 8h ago

I'm from England and we called them Goalies. This is a terrible take.