At the start of the season Estefani Banini was not even guaranteed a position. Having to contend with some of the top strikers in women’s soccer, the 25-year old Argentine had a difficult climb to earn minutes for the Washington Spirit. But Banini’s hard work paid off on Saturday night as her goal helped lead the Spirit past the Pride 2-0 in front of a sellout crowd of 5,750 at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Banini struck first in the ninth minute making a darting diagonal run between Pride center-backs Toni Pressleu and Lori Alleway. Her run was set up by two quick passes from midfielder Diana Matheson and forward Crystal Dunn. With just goalkeeper Ashlynn Harris to beat Banini lifted her shot past her former teammate to give the Spirit the 1-0 advantage. The goal was Banini’s first of her professional career. In addition, with her goal she became the first-ever Argentine to score in an NWSL match.
The Spirit would strike again shortly before halftime when forward Francisca Ordega would hit a chip shot over Harris. The goal was Ordega’s first of the season.
The second half of the match took on a reflective tone as play was stopped in the 49th minute to honor the 49 individuals who were killed in the shooting at an Orlando club last week. A moment of silence was also given at the beginning of the match and numerous and banners were hung throughout the stadium in support of the city of Orlando and the Pride.
When play resumed the Pride seemed determined to get back into the match. Defender Steph Catley sent a dangerous ball into the Spirit box that was nearly an own goal by midfielder Jasmyne Spencer. Before the Pride could celebrate though the Spirit defense would stop the miscue.
The Pride would come close again in the 85th minute when Sam Witteman’s shot from distance appeared to catch goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe off-guard. However, the Canadian international would make the correction before the Spirit’s lead could be cut in half.
With the victory, the Spirit (5-1-2, 17 points) moved into a tie for first place with the Portland Thorns (4-0-5, 17 points). The Spirit will host Sky Blue FC next Saturday at 7pm EST.
Despite keeping up with the Spirit for large portions of the match the Pride (4-5-0, 12 points) continue their poor run of form away from Camping World Stadium. The club has just one win away from home this season, a number that will certainly become important at the end of the season when playoff spots are being awarded. In the interim, the good news is for the Pride is that they will host the Houston Dash next Saturday with the chance to end their three game losing streak.
MATCH SUMMARY
Washington Spirit-Stephanie Labbe, Alyssa Kleiner, Shelina Zadorsky, Megan Oyster, Ali Krieger, Christine Nairn (Joanna Lohman 70′), Tori Huster, Diana Matheson, Crystal Dunn, Francisca Ordega (Cheyna Williams 63′), and Estefania Banini (Katie Stengel 85′)
Goals- Banini (9′), Ordega (41′)
Yellow Card- Zadorsky (11′)
Orlando Pride-Ashlyn Harris, Steph Catley, Toni Pressley, Laura Alleway (Kaelyn Kyle 40′), Josee Belanger (Sarah Hagen 65′), Kristen Edmonds, Maddy Evans, Monica, Jasmyne Spencer (Jamia Fields 78′), Alex Morgan, and Sam Witteman
Washington Spirit
Orlando Pride
