Spirit Remains Undefeated with 1-0 Win Over Houston Dash

Washington Spirit  |   May 14, 2016
Spirit Remains Undefeated with 1-0 Win Over Houston Dash Featured Image

Photo: Tony Quinn/ ISI Photos

Boyds, MD (May 14, 2016) – The Washington Spirit (4-0-1, 13 points) continues its undefeated streak after triumphing over the Houston Dash (2-2-1, 7 points) at the Maryland Soccerplex in front of 3,545 fans. This win increases the Spirit’s lead at the top of the league by three points over second place team the Chicago Red Stars. A successful header from Spirit veteran midfielder Joanna Lohman in the 38th minute secured the win for the Spirit over the Houston Dash.

After a competitive and quick-paced first half, the first goal of the game came for the Spirit in the 38th minute when defender Ali Krieger dribbled the ball up the right flank launched a long ball up to midfielder Christine Nairn. Nairn sent a cross into the penalty box and Lohman leapt up to head the ball into the back of the net.

The Spirit had several opportunities to extend its lead early in the second half. The first came in the 58th minute when Dunn served a cross to Nairn. However, Nairn’s shot was blocked. After the Spirit collected the ball again, Krieger sent a cross in to Argentinian forward Estefania Banini who took a shot on goal, but the ball was once again blocked by the Dash’s defense.

Banini and Crystal Dunn were two of the most dangerous Spirit players in the final third. In the 79th minute the Spirit earned a corner when Banini sent a ball to Dunn who was making a near post run that later went out of bounds. In the 87th minute Banini took a shot from outside of the box that was tipped over the bar by Williams, earning the Spirit another corner.

The Spirit earned two yellow cards during the game. In the 65th minute Spirit left back Alyssa Kleiner received a yellow card for a slide tackle against Dash forward Chiomoa Ubogagu. Ubogagu drove in a free kick, but it landed right in the arms of Labbé. In the 89th minute Ali Krieger was awarded a yellow card for time wasting on a throw in.

The Spirit will play its next three games on the road with rematches against the Portland Thorns, Houston Dash, and Boston Breakers. The next home game for the Spirit will be against the Orlando Pride on June 18th at 7 p.m. at Maureen Hendricks Field.

Washington Spirit Lineup: Stephanie Labbé, Ali Krieger, Megan Oyster, Shelina Zadorsky, Alyssa Kleiner, Joanna Lohman , Tori Huster, Diana Matheson (Katie Stengel 89′), Cali Farquharson (Estefania Banini 46′), Crystal Dunn, Christine Nairn (Whitney Church 84′)

Subs not used: Caprice Dydasco, Kelsey Wys, Estelle Johnson, Cheyna Williams

Houston Dash Lineup: Poliana, Rachel Daly, Becca Moros, Cari Roccaro, Morgan Brian (Cami Privett 75′), Kealia Ohai, Chioma Ubogagu (Janine Beckie 71′), Amber Brooks, Allysha Chapman, Andressa (Denise O’Sullivan 59′), Lydia Williams

Subs not used: Bianca Henninger, Ellie Brush, Stephanie Ochs, Caity Heap

Team 1 2 Final
Washington Spirit  1  0  1
Houston Dash  0  0  0
SCORING SUMMARY
Goal Time Team Goal Scorer Assist
 1 39 WAS Lohman Nairn
CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS
Time Team ## Player Card Reason
66 Washington 22 Alyssa Kleiner Yellow Reckless Foul
89 Washington 11 Ali Krieger Yellow Delay of Game
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