Washington Spirit Defeats Chicago Red Stars 2-0
July 9, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release
BOYDS, Md - The Washington Spirit (7-2-2, 23 points) defeated the Chicago Red Stars (5-4-3, 18 points) 2-0 in front of 3,631 fans at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The Spirit earned one goal in each of the two halves against Chicago. The first goal came early in the 20th minute when Estefania Banini sent a ball rolling beyond Red Stars's goalkeeper Michele Dalton. The second goal came midway through the second half when forward Katie Stengel, who had just been substituted into the game, scored a header with her first touch. [PHOTO] (Mandatory Credit: Tony Quinn/ISI Photos)
"We wanted to make sure we started the second half just as we started the first half. Playing against Chicago they're always going to come out playing pretty fast at the beginning of the game and at each half and they're not going to quit," said general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra.
In the 20th minute, the Spirit scored its first goal of the game when midfielder Christine Nairn sent a pass to the feet of Banini at the top of the box. Banini played the ball to Francisca Ordega. Ordega set up the give and go with a pass back to Banini as she ran into the box. Banini drilled the ball toward the Red Stars goalkeeper. Dalton got a piece of the shot, but it was not enough, as the shot sailed passed her into the bottom right corner.
The Spirit's second goal came in the 74th minute. Stengel replaced Ordega in the 73rd minute just as the Spirit earned a corner kick. Nairn launched a well-placed corner kick into the box. Just seconds after being subbed in, Stengel headed the ball, her first touch of the match, into the back of the net.
Goalkeeper Kelsey Wys earned her second shutout of the season. She recorded a huge save in the 60th minute. A Chicago cross from the right flank floated just outside the six yard box. Arin Gilliland jumped on the cross, sending a strong header toward the far post. However, Wys denied the equalizer with a full extension diving save to deflect the ball out of play.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Washington Spirit will play its next home game next Saturday, July 30th against regional rivals Sky Blue FC. For tickets, please go to our website.
NWSL Match Report
Match: Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars
Date: July 9, 2016
Venue: Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyd's, Maryland
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Attendance: 3,631
Weather: 85, sunny
Washington Spirit Lineup: 18- Kelsey Wys; 22- Alyssa Kleiner, 24- Estelle Johnson, 4- Megan Oyster, 2- Caprice Dydasco; 23- Tori Huster, 7-Christine Nairn (5- Whitney Church 83'), 15- Joanna Lohman; 10- Estefania Banini, 14- Francisca Ordega (12- Katie Stengel 73'), 17- Cali Farquharson (20- Cheyna Williams 59')
Subs not used: 21- Alli Murphy, 36- DiDi Haracic
Head Coach: Jim Gabarra
Chicago Red Stars Lineup: 18- Michele Dalton; 3- Arin Gilliland, 5- Katie Naughton, 16- Sam Johnson, 6- Casey Short; 10- Vanessa Dibernardo, 24- Danielle Colaprico, 13- Amanda Da Costa (20- Jannelle Flaws 45'), 7- Taylor Comeau; 4- Alyssa Mautz (2-Jen Hoy 46', 34- Mary Luba 80')), 11- Sofia Huerta
Subs not used: 12- Cara Walls, 14- Sarah Gorden, 15- Courtney Raetzman, 33- Brianna Smallidge
Head Coach: Rory Dames
Stats Summary: WAS/CHI
Shots: 10 / 11
Shots on Goal: 6 / 7
Saves: 5 / 2
Corner Kicks: 7 / 5
Fouls: 7 / 10
Offside: 2/ 5
Officials:
Referee: Brandon Artis
Assistant Referee 1: Cory Richardson
Assistant Referee 2: Tom Felice
4th Official: Jordan Gray
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