NWSL Washington Spirit

Spirit to Face Duke University in Final Preseason Charity Match

Published on April 8, 2016 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


BOYDS, Md - The Washington Spirit will face Duke University in its annual charity match on Saturday, April 9th at the Maryland Soccerplex at 7p.m. All proceeds will benefit Headers for Hope, a non-profit that supports cancer-related charities through soccer.

Last weekend's intrasquad scrimmage ended with a thrilling penalty shootout. Midfielder Christine Nairn scored after she was fouled outside of the box. Her strike sailed through the defensive wall into the back of the net, bringing the score to 1-0 for the White team. In the second half, guest player from Braddock Road Star Elite, Myra Konte, tied the game for the Navy team with a driven shot in the box. ?The scoreline remained 1-1 as regular time expired forcing the game to be decided on penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Kelsey Wys made two crucial saves for the White team. Goals by Nairn, Joanna Lohman, and draft pick Cheyna Williams clinched the victory for the White team in a 3-1 penalty shootout.

Saturday's contest against Duke is the last preseason match before the start of the official season on April 16th. USWNT players Ali Krieger and Crystal Dunn, Nigerian forward Francisca Ordega, and Canadian National team players Stephanie Labbé, Diana Matheson, and Shelina Zadorsky will not play against Duke as they are traveling with their national teams. Despite the absence of several players, the talent from both veteran and new Spirit players displayed throughout preseason forecasts a promising game. Nairn, a third year Spirit player, has scored two goals in preseason, both coming off free kicks. New Spirit forward Katie Stengel notched a goal and an assist in the first preseason match and has looked dangerous in the subsequent games.

Spirit general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra is looking forward to Saturday's match, stating "Duke presents a really good challenge in our last preseason game. The program has made tremendous strides over the past couple of years. We will approach this match as we would a regular season match in preparing for Boston."

Last season Duke finished 14-6-5 overall and 4-3-3 in its conference. The Blue Devils made it to the final of the NCAA College Cup tournament, losing 1-0 to Penn State. Four Duke alumni are currently playing in the NWSL preseason including the Spirit's own Kara Wilson. Wilson was the 37th pick in the 2016 NWSL college draft. During her time at Duke, she played in 68 matches, serving as both a defender and midfielder. In Wilson's senior year, Duke achieved 14 shutouts, the second most in the school's history. Due to player availability, she will play for the Blue Devils once more on Saturday.

The contest against Duke will kick off at 7p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased online here. All proceeds will benefit Headers for Hope.

The Washington Spirit will begin its 2016 season on Saturday, April 16 at Maureen Hendricks Field at the Maryland SoccerPlex at 7:00 pm against the Boston Breakers. Be part of the NWSL soccer experience by calling 301-337-8579 or visiting our website.

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