Neither snow nor rain nor even sleet was going to stop the Washington Spirit attack on Saturday night. In the club’s first match in the 2016 NWSL preseason the Spirit picked up directly where they left off with 2015. Led by two goals from Estefi Banini the Spirit blew past the University of Virginia Lady Cavaliers at Maureen Hendricks Stadium in Boyds, Maryland.
While there might have been a bit of a difference in the level of skill between the Spirit and their opponents, there was very little not to like from Saturday’s performance. Given that the club had major questions to be answered in terms of their defense and attacking depth Saturday’s result provides some indication that the club has succeeded in addressing those needs. In particular the play of forward Katie Stengel and Johanna Lohman stood out among the many positive performances.
For Spirit coach Jim Gabarra the next big issue that needs to be resolved is finding their best starting eleven. The good news with all of the standout performances is that the club has plenty of players to put around mainstays Christine Nairn, Ali Krieger, and Crystal Dunn. But finding the right mesh of players to build around can be a challenge. Expect more lineup shifts in the club’s next exhibition match against the Penn State Nittany Lions (March 19th at 4pm EST).
Note: Given the high number of substitutions in the third half most of those players have not been assessed a score.
GK- Kelsey Wys-6.75- Made a good initial save in the 38th minute but made a bad decision in opting not to hold on to it. Seemed much more relaxed in the third half and was very composed against some late pressure placed by the Lady Cavaliers.
DEF Alyssa Kleiner- 7- Helped put an end to UVA’s only real goal scoring opportunity in the first half. The question now is can she do this on a consistent basis?
DEF Megan Oyster-7 Almost had an assist on a long, high cross in the 38th minute. Worked well with Joanna Lohman during the second period to push up the Spirit midfield.
DEF Estelle Johnson-7 Kept a high press on the UVA attack and made several good clears early on.
DEF Caprice Dydasco-7-Parried away UVA’s lone goal-scoring opportunity in the first half. Will be interesting to see if Gabarra uses her more as a winger as the preseason goes on.
MID Whitney Church-7- Was largely quiet ffor the match although had a few good passes in the first half.
MID Christine Nairn-9.5 The engine of the Spirit attack helped orchestrate a very dangerous, multifaceted attack. Made several good diagonal passes in the Spirit attacking third. Also scored an Olimpico which always a great way to start one’s season.
MID Estefi Banini-9 – Put two superb goals in early to put the match out of match. Her persistence to finish plays should lead to her getting substantial minutes in the 2016 campaign.
FWD Crystal Dunn- 9- Contributed to the Spirit’s first two goals and was persistent in engaging the UVA defense. An excellent start for the reigning NWSL MVP
FWD Katie Stengel-9- Helped set up Banini for the first goal and made several daring runs into the box late into the first half. Added a nice final touch for her goal in the 38th minute.
FWD Cheyna Williams- 7- Had a nice goal-scoring opportunity early in the second half and was able to make several good defensive runs. If she can start linking up with Nairn in the middle the Spirit may have another great goal-scoring campaign.
SUBSTITUTES
Ali Krieger-8.5- Put in a remarkable defensive shift in the second half. Used her quick footwork and close marking skills to stamp out the UVA attack and force them into their defensive third.
Cali Farquharson-7-
Joanna Lohman-8- Came on as a substitute and plugged the center of the pitch quite nicely. Helped Nairn weave together several intricate passes. Had a good chance to make it four goals in the 68th minute.
Yanara Aedo-6- Seemed to be stymied by the size disadvantage and was unable to really put much into the attack.
Mary Katherine Fiebernitz-7- Developed a nice rapport with Oyster in the second half helping set the tone for the attack.
Katherine Wyrich-N.A
Ali Murphy-N/A-
Kara Wilson-N/A As a third half substitute had little to do other than prevent late goals.
Tiffany Weimer-N/A
Francisca Ordega-N/A Had a deep, intelligent run around the 60 minute mark that opened up a compact UVA defense.
Hayley Raso-6- Made a good diagonal run in the 74th minute deep into the UVA territory. Was otherwise silent in a very quiet third half.
