Spirit Set To Take On League-Leading Thorns FC

Washington Spirit  |   August 9, 2022
Spirit Set To Take On League-Leading Thorns FC Featured Image

Leesburg, VA (08/09/2022) – The Washington Spirit will take on Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday night in the side’s sixth and final Segra Field match of the season.

Washington’s USWNT players will be playing in their first home match in nearly two months this week with the exception of defender Emily Sonnett who is still out with a foot injury. After June 17’s match against Louisville, seven Spirit players left for international duty with the United States, returning a month later to the league’s week-long break and two consecutive away matches. Coming off its third straight draw, the Spirit is still without a win since its season-opening victory over OL Reign on May 1. Ashley Hatch continued where she left off with the Spirit as she scored her team-leading fifth goal of the regular season and 11th of 2022 last Friday in Kentucky. Also not missing a beat has been the duo of Ashley Sanchez and Trinity Rodman, who have combined for 15 shots, six of which have been on target since returning from USWNT competition.

The Spirit attacking and defending thirds will have to be on their A-game Wednesday night as they take on a Thorns FC side that has the best goal differential in the NWSL thus far at +20. Portland has tallied 34 goals in 14 matches played (best in the league) while only allowing 14 scores (tied with OL Reign for second-best in the league behind San Diego). Last week, Portland missed out on its seventh win of the season via a draw with North Carolina at Providence Park. After taking a 2-0 lead in the 24th minute and a 3-2 lead in the 77th, Thorns FC had to settle for a 3-3 tie when the Courage netted an equalizer in the 85th minute.

The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ for fans in the United States and on Twitch for international viewers. Following the match, the Spirit will host a press conference with head coach Kris Ward and two players. Fans can stream the postgame presser via the Washington Spirit Twitch channel.

Availability Report

OUT:

Tori Huster – SEI left lower leg

Julia Roddar – knee

Emily Sonnett – foot

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