NWSL Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit Preseason Series Features College Champions

Published on February 15, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


GERMANTOWN, Md. (Feb. 15) - In preparation for the upcoming National Women's Soccer League season, the Washington Spirit have arranged a preseason series that includes major college programs.

The Spirit will host Penn State University at 4 p.m. on March 17, defending national champion North Carolina at 3 p.m. on March 30, and the University of Virginia at 7:30 p.m. on April 6. Additional games are in the final stages of planning and will be announced in the coming days.

The games allow fans an early opportunity to watch the Spirit play within the friendly confines of their Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium home as they train in advance of the April 14 NWSL season opener at the Boston Breakers.

Tickets to the games are free, with fans only needing to claim theirs through the Washington Spirit online ticket portal (tickets.washingtonspirit.com). All tickets are general admission, with a limit of two per email address.

"We are thrilled at the chance to take on top quality college opponents as we gear up for the NWSL season," Spirit head coach Mike Jorden said. "This marks an important step in our preseason preparations, and will be a great opportunity for fans to get a first look at their new team."

The games are expected to provide an opportunity for Spirit players to sharpen their skills against top college competition, with the first match-up coming against 2012 NCAA College Cup finalist Penn State. With a 32-player training camp roster needing to be cut down to 25 by the following day, this first match will be a final chance for some players to stake their claim a coveted professional roster spot.

The Nittany Lions won their 15th straight Big Ten Conference title last season with a 10-0-1 league record - falling in the title game to the Tar Heels - while Virginia won the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. All three schools have produced Spirit players: defender Ali Krieger is a PSU alumnus, defender Robin Gayle attended UNC, and goalkeeper Chantel Jones, defender Kika Toulouse, midfielder Lori Lindsey and forward Caroline Miller all played at UVA. In addition, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, who will suit up for the Spirit following her club obligations in Germany, is a former Tar Heel.

Fans wishing to attend any of the preseason games need only order and print free tickets from tickets.washingtonspirit.com prior to arriving at the stadium on game day. Additional preseason games will be added to the ticket page as confirmed.

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