Sports stats



NWSL Washington Spirit

Huge Home Crowd Propels Spirit to 3-0 Win over the Reign

July 18, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


BOYDS, Md. (July 18, 2015) -On a sell-out record night at the Maryland SoccerPlex, the Washington Spirit (6-4-2, 20 points) secured a 3-0 victory against Seattle Reign FC (6-3-2, 21 points). Goals from Amanda Da Costa, Crystal Dunn and Christine Nairn guaranteed the win for the Spirit, keeping them undefeated at home.

A physical match from the whistle, both sides had equal chances in the first fifteen minutes but each team's backlines cleared away any chances. In the 17th minute, Joanna Lohman received a cross from Dunn but the goal was called offside and the score remained at 0-0.

The Spirit continued with attacking pressure down the flanks and a pass to Dunn, taken down outside the eighteen, resulted in a free kick for Nairn. With a beautiful service, Nairn hit the crossbar and the rebound was cleared away by the Reign defense.

Seattle built passes throughout the midfield to Beverly Yanez and Kim Little, causing trouble for the backline of the Spirit but center defenders Estelle Johnson and Megan Oyster held them throughout the first half.

Going into the locker rooms, both teams had great pressure and combination passes in the midfield but the score stayed level at 0-0.

The second half resulted in a goal right from the whistle. Dunn took a shot on goal and with the rebound Da Costa touched the ball into the back of the net, giving the Spirit the lead in the 45th minute.

The Spirit held the momentum throughout the second half, with the return of Diana Matheson, dribbling through the midfield to the top of the eighteen, passing to Dunn, who cut past her defender and her shot was perfectly weighted into the corner. Dunn secured her eighth goal of the season and the Spirit took a 2-0 in the 68th minute.

The Reign attacked in the defensive third for the Spirit and had opportunities off of numerous corners but goalkeeper Kelsey Wys stayed strong in front of the net, maintaining her clean sheet.

The last goal for the Spirit came in the 82nd minute, when Dunn cutting through defenders was fouled inside the box and a penalty kick was rewarded to the Spirit. Nairn stepped up to take the kick, and buried it into the back of the net.

The second half brought great excitement for the home crowd and fans and the Spirit finished each quality shot they had goal, remaining undefeated at home. The Washington Spirit will look for another dominating performance when they take on the Chicago Red Stars at the Maryland Soccerplex on July 25th at 7:00.

Check out the Washington Spirit Statistics



National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 18, 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