Spirit Face League Leading Chicago Red Stars in First Game After World Cup Break
June 19, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release
BOYDS, Md. (June 19, 2015) - The Washington Spirit (4-3-2, 14 points) are heading to Chicago after two weeks off to play the league leading Chicago Red Stars (4-1-3, 15 points) on June 20th at 8:00 p.m. (GAME NOTES)
"The team has arrived back from a short break looking fresh and hungry for the challenge at Chicago this weekend," said general manager and head coach Mark Parsons. "The level in training this week has been extremely high and I know we can take this in to the game and perform."
Statistically, the Spirit and Red Stars are even over the first half of the season with each having 47 and 58 shots on goal. Meanwhile, Spirit goalkeeper Kelsey Wys and Red Stars goalkeeper Michele Dalton have held their teams to close games only allowing ten goals and six goals, respectively.
The Chicago Red Stars have been a dominant force up front with rookie forward Sofia Huerta scoring six goals in eight games played for the Red Stars, and Vanessa DiBernardo having five assists in eight games played. Huerta was named NWSL player of the month for May for her constant pressure upfront and clinical goal scoring. Huerta and Crystal Dunn are both tied with six goals each in the NWSL.
However, the Chicago Red Stars have struggled in their last two games, receiving their first loss against Western New York Flash and a tie against the Seattle Reign. Chicago will come out strong against the Spirit as they look to come away with a win in front of their home crowd and hold on to their first place spot.
The Washington Spirit backline of Megan Oyster, Whitney Church, Estelle Johnson and Katherine Reynolds need to be strong in front of goalkeeper Kelsey Wys in order for the Spirit to stay evenly matched against the attacking force of the Red Stars. The Spirit's attacking core includes Amanda Da Costa, Dunn and Christine Nairn. The three have combined for several goals in the last three games and their strength up top will be key to the Spirit's success this Saturday.
Washington Spirit single game tickets and group packages are now available. Check out all of the phenomenal NWSL soccer at the Maryland SoccerPlex by calling 301-337-8579.
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 19, 2015
- Flash Return from Break; Head to Houston for Saturday Night Matchup - Western New York Flash
- Chicago Red Stars Announce Watch Party for USWNT Round of 16 Game - Chicago Red Stars
- Boston Breakers Host Seattle Reign FC on Sunday - NWSL
- Boston Breakers Aim to Extend Unbeaten Streak Sunday vs. Seattle Reign FC - Boston Breakers
- Houston Dash Welcome Western New York Flash to Town Saturday Night at 8:30 p.m. ET - NWSL
- Spirit Face League Leading Chicago Red Stars in First Game After World Cup Break - Washington Spirit
- NWSL Players Continue to Dominate FIFA Women's World Cup Heading into Round of 16 - NWSL
- Reign FC to Host Women's World Cup Viewing Party with Seattle Sounders FC at THE NINETY on June 22 - Seattle Reign FC
- NWSL by the Numbers: FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 - NWSL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Washington Spirit Stories
- Spirit's Krueger and Rodman Called up to USWNT for 2024 SheBelieves Cup
- Spirit Win Home Opener Against Bay FC in Front of Record Crowd
- Spirit Faces Bay FC in Home Opener at Audi Field
- Washington Spirit Home Opener to Feature JABBAWOCKEEZ, White Ford Bronco
- Washington Spirit Announces Iconic Dance Crew JABBAWOCKEEZ as Home Opener Halftime Show