NWSL Washington Spirit

Spirit Settle for a Draw After Second Half Portland Surge

Published on August 31, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


PORTLAND, Or. (August 30, 2015) - The Washington Spirit (8-5-6, 30 points) return home with one point after settling for a 3-3 draw on the road against Portland Thorns FC (6-8-5, 25 points). The Spirit dominated the first half with goals from forwards Franny Ordega and Crystal Dunn. However, the Thorns scored three consecutive goals in the second half making an unbelievable comeback. Dunn salvaged a draw for the Spirit in 81st minute when she scored an unassisted goal to bring the score to 3-3.

The Spirit got off to a quick start in the first half as Dunn won the ball in midfield from Rachel Van Hollebeke and played the ball forward to Ordega on the left side. Ordega took a purposeful series of touches before squaring herself with Nadine Angerer and placing her shot directly between her legs. Ordega's strike gave the Spirit a 1-0 lead in the 6th minute.

Dunn doubled the Spirit's advantage during the two minutes of stoppage time in the first half. Dunn leapt up to connect with a corner kick struck by midfielder Christine Nairn. Dunn's glancing header redirected the ball just enough to send it beyond Angerer to the Spirit a 2-0 lead at the close of the first 45 minutes.

Just as the Spirit dominated the first half, the Thorns quickly established control over the second half. The Thorn's first goal came in the 53rd minute when Alex Morgan chipped the ball over Spirit goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.

Later in the half, Tobin Heath streaked toward goal and collided with Spirit centerback Estelle Johnson. The referee pointed the the spot and the Thorns went up 2-1 after Heath successfully converted the penalty kick. Thorns forward Jodie Taylor tallied the Thorns third goal in the 80th minute as she toe-poked a headed ball from Morgan.

Mere seconds after Taylor's goal, Dunn equalized for the Spirit bringing the score level at 3-3. Dunn made a deft turn on a Thorns defender and slid a well placed ball beyond the reach of Angerer to score her 15th goal on the season.

In the 86th minute Dunn nearly broke away on goal, but was taken down by defender Kat Williamson who was shown a yellow card. The Spirit were awarded a free kick, but Nairn's effort sailed over the goal and the final whistle sounded before the Spirit could push for another goal.

The Spirit return home for their final game of the season against Seattle Reign FC on September 5th at 7 p.m. at Maureen Hendricks Field.

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