NWSL Washington Spirit

Crystal Dunn Nets Game Winning Goal in the Spirit's 2-1 Win over the Thorns

Published on May 30, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


BOYDS, Md. (May 30, 2015) - The Washington Spirit (4-2-1, 13 points) won a fought battle against the Portland Thorns FC (2-3-2, 8 points) at Maureen Hendricks Field on May 30th on a beautiful night for women's soccer.

Both sides played an even match in the first fifteen minutes with the Spirit holding the momentum in the midfield, combining passes and through balls to forward Crystal Dunn.

The first dangerous opportunity of the game came from the Thorns in the 18th minute when Allie Long played Genoveva Anonma a ball which she slotted past Spirit goalkeeper Kelsey Wys, giving Thorns the 1-0 lead.

Washington continued pressing in the next ten minutes and equalized in the 26th minute when midfielder Christine Nairn collected the ball, made a great move to turn the ball and served it to Amanda Da Costa, who one timed it off the bounce into the back of the net.

Crystal Dunn caused trouble for the Thorns' backline the whole game and in the 28th minute with great pressure on the Thorns' goalkeeper, Michelle Betos, Dunn snatched the ball away and scored on an open net. With six goals on the season, Crystal Dunn gave the Spirit a 2-1 lead heading into the second half.

The second half was far more physical than the first and ended with five cards awarded between the two sides. In the last fifteen minutes of the game, the Spirit continued to press forward throwing attacking players at the Thorns backline including del Rio and Dunn.

Making her 2015 debut NWSL, Tiffany Weimer entered the game in the 90th minute, replacing Amanda Da Costa.

In the final minute of the match, the Thorns received a free kick just outside the box following a foul by defender Estelle Johnson. Kelsey Wys punched the ball clear to keep the Spirit ahead. The last opportunity came off a Portland corner. All 11 Thorns players came forward including keeper Betos. However, the Spirit denied the last ditch effort from the Thorns and cleared the ball securing the 2-1 victory.

The Washington Spirit are undefeated at home and will look to continue that streak on June 6th at 7 pm against the Boston Breakers.

Check out the Washington Spirit Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 30, 2015


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.

OurSports Central