Spirit Reserves prevail in “Spirit derby” semi-final

Washington Spirit  |   July 13, 2019
Spirit Reserves prevail in “Spirit derby” semi-final Featured Image

Shannon Duffy
Washingtonspirit.com

Boyds, Md., (7/13/19) The Washington Spirit Reserves and U-23s faced off against each other in the CCL semi-final on Saturday, with the reserves squad winning 6-0. 

The two teams met in the semifinal after both finishing the regular season in first place in their respective conferences. In their first season together, the Spirit U-23s earned an impressive 4-1-1 record in regular-season play.

The Spirit Reserves took no time getting into the game as they scored four goals within the first 30 minutes. Meaghan Nally and Jewel Christian finished off crosses in the box early to make it 2-0 to the Spirit Reserves. 

Shortly after, forward Jasmine Hamid and midfielder Paula Germino-Watnick both scored on shots from the top of the box that were driven towards the far post and into the back of the net. 

After the initial goal-fest, the Spirit U-23s were able to settle into the game and build some momentum. The U-23s stayed tight defensively to hold the reserves scoreless for the next 40 minutes. U-23s goalkeeper Lindsay Freewalt made an impressive 12 saves throughout the match, keeping the scoreline from ballooning in favor of the Spirit Reserves.

Later in the second half, the Spirit Reserves were back for more with Carson Nizialek and Jewel Christian both scoring. 

With the 6-0 victory, the Spirit Reserves will now move on to the CCL Pro23 Championship match.

Reflecting on her team’s journey to the championship, Christian said, “Throughout the season we have been building up to this moment. We’ve been putting in a lot of training, a lot of work. We’re really starting to see things come together.”

Spirit head coach Richie Burke and assistant coaches Tom Torres and Ian McCaldon were all in attendance for the Spirit semifinal match.

The Spirit Reserves will look to finish the CCL season on top this Sunday in the championship match at FFC Park in Fredericksburg, VA at 4 p.m. 

 

Minute Team Scored by: Assisted by:
5 Reserves Meaghan Nally Paula Germino-Watnick 
6 Reserves Jewel Christian  Jasmine Hamid
10 Reserves  Jasmine Hamid unassisted
29 Reserves  Paula Germino-Watnick  unassisted
72 Reserves  Carson Nizialek Paula Germino-Watnick 
88 Reserves  Jewel Christian  Julia Phillips

 

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