Spirit seek revenge against the Thorns

Washington Spirit  |   June 20, 2014
Spirit seek revenge against the Thorns Featured Image

The Washington Spirit get a chance to redeem themselves this Saturday evening against the Portland Thorns. The Spirit were defeated by the Thorns last Sunday 2-0 at the end of a lengthy, four-match road trip. They finished the trip 2-2.

While this rematch takes place less than a week after the loss in Portland, both teams are sure to look drastically different. Both teams welcome back their US Women’s National Team players who played France Thursday night in Hartford, Conn., as well as their Canadian and German National team players, who played Wednesday night in Vancouver, BC.

For Portland, this means the return of goalkeeper Nadine Angerer – who will sit out Saturday’s match after being issued a red card in her last NWSL match – defender Rachel Van Hollebeke, midfielders Allie Long and Tobin Heath, and forwards Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair. The Spirit welcome home goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, defenders Ali Krieger and Robyn Gayle and midfielder Diana Matheson.

In addition, the Spirit may have four new players available to suit up for the game on Saturday. Defenders Alex Singer and Niki Cross, both midseason transfers from clubs in Germany, will most likely be cleared for competition this Saturday. They both made the trip to Portland but were not available for the Spirit last week.

This will also be the Spirit’s first game following their acquisition of forward Lisa DeVanna in a trade that sent Bianca Sierra and the Spirit’s third and fourth round draft picks to the Boston Breakers. It is unclear if DeVanna will be in action Saturday, but her presence up top would boost the Spirit’s struggling attack.

Spirit general manager and head coach Mark Parsons said of DeVanna, “Lisa is one of the most exciting attacking threats in the league, and will bring even more hunger and fight to our squad. I can’t wait to see her make her Spirit debut.”

The Spirit are looking to right the ship after a disheartening end to their road trip, losing to the last place Boston Breakers and allowing Portland to snap a three game losing streak. This weekend’s quick rematch with the Thorns is a good opportunity to turn things around.

The Spirit are currently sitting in fourth place, at 6-6-1. They face the Portland Thorns Saturday, June 21st at 6:30 pm at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Tickets can be purchased at tickets.washingtonspirit.com

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