Benson Child
WashingtonSpirit.com
Boyds, Md., (6/18/19) The Washington Spirit U-23 team squared up against a strong Loudoun FC in a scorching match this past Sunday. Loudoun put early pressure on the U-23s and created several chances in and around the Spirit goal.
Within the first 10 minutes, Loudoun had already put two shots on goal. The Spirit struggled to connect passes and found themselves on their heels early on.
Loudoun did not slow up and continued to surge forward but the Spirit would not budge. In the 16th minute, a free-kick from outside the top right corner of the 18-yard box set up a brilliant Spirit header that narrowly fizzed over the bar.
This opportunity seemed to start a string of offense for the Spirit and the game seemed to open up much more with long balls and deep runs being made by both sides. Each team had their share of decent opportunities for the remainder of the first half but when into half tied 0-0.
The second half started off hot with an immediate goal from Loudoun FC off a quick counter-attacking burst. Spirit forward Isabella Armstrong slotted in the equalizer following a sneaky run by Jisca Adigo just 10 minutes later.
Following the two goals, the game really slowed down for the next 20 minutes with only a few half chances here and there. Despite the constant fight and push for a winner, the Spirit were unable to create anything meaningful. Loudoun FC found a golden opportunity in the 81st minute to put away the Spirit in what was a brilliant match.
The Spirit play again on June 22nd against the LMVSC U-23 team where they look to bounce back from their defeat.