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BOYDS, Md. (April 17, 2015) – The Washington Spirit Spirit host FC Kansas City on Saturday at 7 PM at Maureen Hendricks Field in the team’s 2015 home opener. The Spirit are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in Houston last weekend. Meanwhile, FC Kansas City is also looking for their first win of the season after a narrow loss to Sky Blue FC last Sunday.
“Playing at home on the Maureen Hendricks field in front of our fans means a lot to the players and staff,” said head coach Mark Parsons. “On the first day of preseason we spoke about the pride we have in performing well in front of our fans and now we have the first opportunity to do that. The team has had a superb reaction in training this week and is look very strong heading in to the game. We are confident in improving our performance and taking the game to FCKC.”
Veteran defender Ali Krieger won’t be available for the match after suffering a concussion in the 17th minute of the season opener against the Houston Dash. Both Krieger’s skill and leadership will be a massive loss for the club and will provide Estelle Johnson or another Spirit defender the opportunity to help solidify the Spirit backline in Krieger’s absence.
Both the Spirit and FC Kansas City will be seeking their first win of the regular season after losing to the Houston Dash and Sky Blue FC, respectively, last week. The Spirit opened strong against the Dash before succumbing to an onslaught of offensive pressure spurred by the formidable midfield duo of Carli Lloyd and Morgan Brian. Meanwhile FC Kansas City couldn’t quite overcome the defensive organization and clinical finishing of Nadia Nadim.
The Spirit won two out of three games against the Blues last season winning both matchups at Maureen Hendricks field, while Kansas City won once at home. Midfielder Christine Nairn netted two of her six goals on the season against the Blues. Head coach Mark Parsons will likely look for continued offensive output from Nairn as well as from several of his recently acquired forwards including Estefania Banini and Laura del Rio.
Saturday could be the NWSL debut for recently arrived striker Francisca Ordega. Ordega recently wrapped up camp with her national team before joining the Spirit. Most recently, Ordega netted a brace during Nigeria’s 8-0 rout of Mali in the All Africa Games qualifiers.
Next week the Spirit will head out on the road to play Sky Blue FC on Sunday April 26th at 6 PM.
Washington Spirit season tickets are available now (10 home matches), with packages starting as low as $170. Check out all of the phenomenal NWSL soccer at the Maryland SoccerPlex by calling 301-337-8579.
