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NWSL Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit Continue Preseason with 5-0 Victory over IMG Academy

March 13, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


West Palm Beach, FL. - The Washington Spirit defeated IMG Academy 5-0 today in a 90-minute match at Rinker Athletic Campus in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The Spirit started off with a number of chances early on but two goals were called back due to players being offside. Midfielder Kelley O'Hara opened the scoring for the Spirit in the 29th minute with a well-timed header.

In the second half, midfielder Tegan McGrady earned a penalty after being tripped up inside the box. Midfielder Ashley Sanchez stepped up and buried the goal to put the Spirit up 2-0. That would not be the end of the day for Sanchez. In the 64th minute, defender Saori Takarada played a ball into Sanchez at the top of the box, where Sanchez was able to whip in a cross that found midfielder Bayley Feist at the top of the six-yard box to make it 3-0. Feist would score again just five minutes later to make it 4-0. Sanchez would add another assist in the 83rd minute when her free-kick found defender Emily Sonnett's head at the back post to make it 5-0.

Goalkeepers Aubrey Bledsoe and Sydney Schneider combined in net for the shutout. Midfielder Andi Sullivan returned to the pitch and served as captain for the first half. Sonnett wore the armband in the second half after Sullivan was subbed off.

The Spirit will return to action at Rinker Athletic Campus on Saturday, March 20 when they take on the Orlando Pride.

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