Spirit Claims 2-0 Win at Home Against FC Kansas City

Washington Spirit  |   July 2, 2016
Spirit Claims 2-0 Win at Home Against FC Kansas City Featured Image

Photo: Tony Quinn/ISI Photos

BOYDS, Md (July 2, 2016) – The Washington Spirit (6-2-2, 20 points) defended its unbeaten streak in a match against FC Kansas City (2-5-4, 10 points) at home with a 2-0 win. After one full half of shared possession and control over the game, second half substitutions helped lift the Spirit over the defending National Women’s Soccer League champions. A low-driven shot by forward Francisca Ordega in the 79th and a powerful volley by midfielder Tori Huster in the 85th earned the Spirit three points.

“I think there was a good energy. We were a lot more organized and we played well as a group. The second half with the insertion of Franny and Cheyna [Williams] really added some speed and dynamic up front. I think we started moving the ball a little quicker,” said general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra regarding the team’s strong finish.

Ordega scored the go-ahead goal for the Spirit in the 79th minute. Ordega came off the bench early in the second half and immediately showed off her attacking pace. After several close runs, Ordega finally capitalized. Midfielder Joanna Lohman drilled a shot toward goal in the box, but the shot was deflected by FC Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. The deflection landed right at the feet of Ordega, who was persistent in her forward attack. Ordega’s shot landed in the lower left hand corner past the extended arm of Barnhart.

The Spirit doubled its advantage in the 85th minute bringing the scoreline to 2-0. Midfielder Christine Nairn‘s lofted corner kick fell just a few feet from Lohman who took a shot on goal. Barnhart was not able to get to the shot, but the strike was deflected by the KC defensive line. Midfielder and Spirit veteran Huster advanced on the opportunity and sent a powered volley into the top of the net out of Barnhart’s reach.

FC Kansas City was effective in their defensive third, hindering the Spirit from advancing on several offensive opportunities. Despite the team’s control of the ball in the first half, they saw few real attempts at goal. The closest FCKC came to equalizing came in the 54th minute. After a melee in the penalty box,  KC forward Shea Groom sent a header sailing toward net. However, her shot careened off the crossbar.

Goalkeeper Kelsey Wys earned her second start and first clean sheet of the season with five saves.

The Washington Spirit will play its next home game next Saturday, July 9th against the Chicago Red Stars. For tickets, please go to our website.

NWSL Match Report

Match: Washington Spirit vs. FC Kansas City
Date: July 2, 2016
Venue:Maryland SoccerPlex, Maryland
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Attendance: 3,036
Weather: 76, sunny

Washington Spirit Lineup: 18 Kelsey Wys; 22- Alyssa Kleiner, 24- Estelle Johnson, 4 – Megan Oyster, 2- Caprice Dydasco; 23- Tori Huster, 7-Christine Nairn, 15- Joanna Lohman; 10- Estefania Banini (5- Whitney Church 87′), 12- Katie Stengel (14- Francisca Ordega 59′), 17- Cali Farquharson (20- Cheyna Williams 72′)

Subs not used: 21- Alli Murphy, 29- Haley Rosen, 36- DiDi Haracic
Head Coach: Jim Gabarra

FC Kansas City Lineup: 18- Nicole Barnhart; 10- Yael Averbuch, 13- Brittany Taylor, 21- Katie Bowen, 22- Brianne Reed; 1- Lo’eau LaBonta, 7- Mandy Laddish, 11- Frances Silva; 15- Erika Tymrak, 20- Tiffany McCarty (23- Caroline Kastor 75′), 2- Shea Groom

Subs not used: 19- Cat Parkhill, 5- Alex Arlitt, 88- Alexa Newfield, 24-Molly Menchel
Head Coach: Vlatko Andonovski

Team 1 2 Final
Washington Spirit  0  2  2
FC Kansas  0  0  0
SCORING SUMMARY
Goal Time Team Goal Scorer Assist
 1 79 Washington Spirit Francisca Ordega
 2 85 Washington Spirit Tori Huster
CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS
Time Team ## Player Card Reason

Stats Summary: WAS/KC
Shots: 13 / 13
Shots on Goal: 8 / 5
Saves: 5 / 6
Corner Kicks: 5 / 4
Fouls: 8 / 4
Offside: 2/ 3

Officials:
Referee: Karen Abt
Assistant Referee 1: Alicia Messer
Assistant Referee 2: Jimmy Brooks
4th Official: Gary Gutierrez

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