U.S. World Cup stars return home for Washington Spirit
Saturday night saw a sold out crowd of 5,500 soccer fans at Maryland SoccerPlex greet six players back home from the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in a 2-1 Washington Spirit loss to the Houston Dash. Five of the six players set foot on the pitch. Rose Lavelle, who scored in the World Cup Final and won the Bronze Ball as the World Cup’s third best player, didn’t dress for the match but was still in attendance for the ceremony recognizing the champs.
The first half was scoreless but the Spirit had a chance to get on the board in the 23rd minute. The ball came to Paige Nielsen following a corner kick and her cross-pass went to Andi Sullivan. Sullivan volleyed the ball just off the top crossbar.
The first half was scoreless and the game was delayed for an hour at halftime due to lightning. Following the delay, the Spirit got on the board in the 52nd minute. Sam Staab threw the ball in and Jordan DiBiasi headed it in for her fourth goal of the season.
The Houston Dash struck back with two unanswered goals in the 56th minue by Kristie Mewis and the 72nd minute by Amber Brooks. The defeat dropped the Spirit’s record to 4-3-3.
The Spirit will head to New Jersey tonight to take on Sky Blue FC at Yurcak Field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network and NBC Sports Washington.
