Early Surge Pushes Spirit Past Pride, 2-0
June 18, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release
BOYDS, Md - The Washington Spirit (5-1-2, 17 points) defeated the Orlando Pride (4-5-0, 12 points) 2-0 at home in the first ever meeting of the two teams. [HIGHLIGHTS] A composed finish from Argentinian forward Estefania Banini in the ninth minute and an unassisted goal by Nigerian forward Francisca Ordega in the 40th minute earned the Spirit the three points over the Pride. The energy and spirit of the players and the sold out crowd of 5,750 was palpable as the match was played for a greater purpose. The contest was in honor of the victims in Orlando, thus making the match an emotional one. [PHOTO] (Mandatory Credit Tony Quinn/ISI Photos).
The first goal of the match came in the ninth minute when defender Alyssa Kleiner chased a ball down to the endline, reaching it in time to send a cross into the box. Banini took a controlled first touch and slipped a shot into the right corner past Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.
The Pride had a chance soon after in the 11th minute when Spirit defender Shelina Zadorsky fouled Alex Morgan just outside of the box. Pride defender Steph Catley drilled the free kick, but it curled just wide of the left post.
In the 34th minute the Spirit almost earned its second goal of the night when midfielder Christine Nairn took a shot from the top of the box. Harris made the initial save but could not control the rebound. With Harris off her line, Ordega took a shot on the open net, but Pride defender Catley was able to clear the shot just in time earning the Spirit a corner kick.
The Spirit doubled its lead in the 40th minute when Ordega scored her first goal of the season. The Nigerian forward won a tackle in the midfield, beat two Pride defenders, and placed a shot in the bottom right corner past Harris.
In stoppage time of the first half, Alex Morgan had a one-on-one opportunity against Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé. Morgan sent a shot toward the right side, but Labbé made a diving save to push the shot off the post and back into play. Morgan collected the deflection, but her second shot was off target.
In the second half, both teams saw opportunities to score, but all efforts proved futile.
The Washington Spirit will play its next home game next Saturday, June 25th against Sky Blue FC. Sky Blue is the Spirit's regional match up, so they will meet four times this season. For tickets, please go to our website.
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 18, 2016
- Dominant Chicago Downs Boston 3-0 Behind Huerta Brace - Chicago Red Stars
- Pride and Spirit Play for More Than Themselves on Saturday Night - Orlando Pride
- Early Surge Pushes Spirit Past Pride, 2-0 - Washington Spirit
- Seattle Reign FC to Face Sky Blue FC on the Road this Sunday - Seattle Reign FC
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
- Audi Field to Host United States Women's National Team for 2024 Olympic Send-Off Match, Presented by Coca-Cola
- Washington Spirit and Marvel Team up for the First Ever Marvel Super Hero© Night on Friday, April 26
- Spirit Picks up Fourth Consecutive Win of 2024 in Thrilling Match against Gotham FC
- Washington Spirit to Take NWSL X La Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup on the Road
- Spirit Looks to Extend Win Streak against Reigning NWSL Champs, Gotham FC