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Washington Spirit to Face Penn State in Second Preseason Game on Saturday

March 25, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


BOYDS, MD - The Washington Spirit will challenge Penn State at the Maryland SoccerPlex on March 26th, 2016 at 4 p.m. in its second preseason match of 2016. [PHOTO (credit Tony Quinn/Washington Spirit)]

In a 3-0 Spirit win over the University of Virginia last weekend, Argentinean international Estefania Banini led the Spirit with an early brace. Newcomer to the team Katie Stengel assisted Banini's first goal and added a goal herself in the second period. Banini, Stengel, and 2015 NWSL MVP Crystal Dunn will look to boost the Spirit over the reigning NCAA National Champions.

The Spirit's current roster boasts five former Penn State graduates including: Ali Krieger, Christine Nairn, Whitney Church, Joanna Lohman, and Tiffany Weimer. They all had a big impact on the program. Krieger was a two-time All-American and started every game she played for the Nittany Lions. Nairn finished her college career second all-time in assists to date in Penn State history. The Spirit drafted Church straight out of Penn State in 2015, where she was a four year starter and M.A.C Herman Trophy award semifinalist. In Lohman's time at Penn State, she was named Big Ten Player of the Year (2003) and two-time Mac Hermann Trophy and Honda Sports Award finalist (2002-2003). Weimer scored 91 goals in 97 games during her four-year career with the Nittany Lions.

Last season, Penn State won its first ever National Championship defeating Duke 1-0. In the 72nd minute, senior and MAC Hermann Trophy winner Raquel Rodriguez fired a left-footer into the lower right-hand corner, earning her ninth game-winning goal of her career. Five of Penn State's players, Frannie Crouse, Emily Ogle, Kaleigh Riehl, Mallory Weber, and Rodriguez, were named to the College Cup's All Tournament Team. Weber was selected in the second round of the NWSL college draft, along with Rodriguez in the first round, and senior goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom in the third.

"We look forward to having our full roster for this game," said Spirit general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra. "Penn State offers a great challenge as the defending national champions."

This match will be the first match of 2016 that the Spirit's three Canadian allocated players will be available. Diana Matheson, who currently holds the record for most goals scored for the Spirit with 19, will be returning to Maureen Hendricks Field for her fourth season with the Spirit. Defender Shelina Zadorsky will be fighting for her spot in the back line, while goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé will be competing with Kelsey Wys for the starting spot going into the season.

Kick-off on Saturday is set for 4 PM at Maureen Hendricks Field. Free tickets for the Penn State game can be claimed online here.

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 a part of the phenomenal NWSL soccer experience by calling 301-337-8579 or visiting our website.

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