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Washington Spirit

Spirit Fall Short in Orlando Despite Offensive Outburst

July 6, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Boyds, Md. - The Washington Spirit tied its season high with three goals and pounded the Orlando Pride with 19 shots, but fell just short in a 4-3 loss on Saturday night in Orlando, Florida at Exploria Stadium.

Kickoff was delayed by more than an hour due to the weather conditions at Exploria Stadium, but the evening unfolded into one of the most exciting matches this season.

Midfielder Bayley Feist gave the Spirit a 1-0 lead with her first career NWSL goal in the seventh minute, scoring with a beautiful backheel volley off of a cross from forward Cheyna Matthews.

The Spirit worked the ball all the way up the right side of the field in the buildup, with three players touching the ball on the wing before Matthews.

Orlando struck back with goals in the 21st and 26th minutes to take a 2-1 lead, but Matthews equalized in the 30th with her first goal since returning from World Cup duty with Jamaica to make it 2-2.

Defender Tori Huster, who also passed to Matthews when she assisted Feist's goal, launched a perfect through ball into the box that Matthews fired home after taking one touch.

Pride forward Marta, a Brazilian legend who holds the record for most career World Cup goals scored, came alive in the second half with two goals to give her team a 4-2 lead.

Midfielder Jordan DiBiasi struck back late in stoppage time, slotting home from close range after dribbling through three Orlando defenders.

Despite the loss, the Spirit remain in the NWSL's top four and will return to action at the Maryland SoccerPlex on July 20 against the Houston Dash. U.S. women's national team players Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh will look to make their first appearances for Washington following their World Cup run.

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