Washington Spirit Falls to Regional Rivals Sky Blue FC 2-1
June 25, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release
Boyds, Md - The Washington Spirit (5-2-2, 17 points) fell to regional rivals Sky Blue FC (3-3-4, 13 points) 2-1. Diana Matheson scored for the Spirit with a header in the 77th minute. Sky Blue FC scored goals in the eighth and 64th minutes, respectively. 2015 Mac Hermann Trophy winner Raquel Rodriguez scored the first goal of the match with a drilled shot from the top of the box. Australian forward Sam Kerr increased the team's lead with a volley into the back of the net.
In the eighth minute, Sky Blue earned the first goal of the match when Leah Galton played a ball to Rodriguez at the top of the box. Rodriguez fired her shot into the top right corner of the net past Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé's extended arms.
Just one minute after getting subbed into the game, Kerr scored Sky Blue's second goal in the 64th minute. Galton earned her second assist of the match when she sent a long cross into the box from the left flank that found Kerr. Kerr executed a side volley that slid past a diving Labbé and into the back of the net.
In the 77th minute, the Spirit closed the gap with its first goal of the match. Argentinian forward Estefania Banini sent a ball into the box from the left flank. Matheson defied gravity and headed the ball into the right side of the net past Sky Blue keeper Caroline Stanley.
Labbé made numerous impressive saves in the match, showing the extent of her skill before heading to Rio. In the 30th minute, she came up big when her quick reaction saved a driven header from Sky Blue forward Tasha Kai. Defender Kelley O'Hara played a well placed cross that landed within feet of the goal and found Kai.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Washington Spirit will play its next home game next Saturday, July 2nd against reigning champions FC Kansas City. The Spirit will be without both their American and Canadian internationals until August as both teams prepare for and compete in the Rio Olympics. For tickets, please go to our website.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 25, 2016
- Carlos Bacca Nets 31st Minute Game Winner for Colombia - NWSL
- FC Kansas City Extends Unbeated Streak to Four with Draw - FC Kansas City
- Reign FC Extends Unbeaten Streak in Tie against FC Kansas City - Seattle Reign FC
- Sky Blue FC Wrangles Three Road Points from Washington Spirit, 2-1 - Sky Blue FC
- Washington Spirit Falls to Regional Rivals Sky Blue FC 2-1 - Washington Spirit
- Orlando Pride Host League-Leading Portland Thorns FC on Sunday - Orlando Pride
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