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Photo: Tony Quinn/ ISI Photos
BOYDS, Md (July 14, 2016) –The Washington Spirit (7-2-2, 23 points) will take on FC Kansas City (3-5-4, 13 points) Saturday July 16th at Swope Soccer Village at 7 p.m. ET. The match comes just two weeks after the teams first met this season, which ended in a 2-0 win for the Spirit on July 2.
“We look forward to the challenge that the match at FC Kansas City presents. Both teams are familiar with each other having played two weeks ago,” said general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra. “Kansas City is coming off a good road performance in Portland, so we expect it to be a hard fought match.”
In the Spirit’s match against FCKC at the Maryland SoccerPlex two weeks ago, a low-driven shot by forward Francisca Ordega in the 79th minute and a powerful volley by midfielder Tori Huster in the 85th earned the Spirit three points. The win was followed last week by a second 2-0 victory over visiting Chicago Red Stars, which put the Spirit fully in control of their own destiny for a first place NWSL finish as they sit just 3 points behind league leaders Portland Thorns and 1 point behind Western New York Flash despite playing two and one game fewer respectively. (NWSL Standings)
The Spirit hopes to continue its winning streak after victories over FC Kansas City and the Chicago Red Stars the past two weeks. With goals from Huster and Ordega against FCKC and Estefania Banini and Katie Stengel against Chicago Red Stars, the Spirit has displayed a diverse attack that is difficult to predict.
The Spirit defensive unit comprised of Kelsey Wys, Alyssa Kleiner, Estelle Johnson, Megan Oyster, and Caprice Dydasco has played all 180 minutes of the last two matches and did not let in any goals. Wys, who played 11 games for the Spirit in 2015, has played three games this season and has only allowed one goal against–a penalty kick.
Last week, FC Kansas City’s confidence got a boost after the team upset current NWSL leaders and the previously undefeated Portland Thorns 2-1 while on the road. Dangerous forward Shea Groom scored both goals for the team, while forward Tiffany McCarty tallied both assists.
Recently announced signing Line Sigvardsen Jensen will not be available for Saturday for the Spirit as the team is still awaiting completion of final paperwork.
The match will be live streamed on YouTube at 7 p.m. ET: https://youtu.be/A-MRV5UkjaA
Next weekend, the Spirit will play regional rivals Sky Blue FC away at 7 p.m. at Yurcak Field in the third of four matches between the two teams. The Spirit will then return to the Maryland SoccerPlex on July 30th at 7 p.m., taking on Sky Blue FC for the final time this season. Fans can be part of the NWSL soccer experience at Maureen Hendricks Field by calling 301-337-8579 or visiting our website.
