Fans should gear up to see a colossal collision of talent on the field this Saturday as the Spirit host Portland for a chance to grab their first win of the season. The Portland Thorns may pack a punch with a triumphant team of overzealous and creative players such as Nikki Washington and Allie Long, but they will certainly not underestimate the Washington Spirit here.
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC: Preview
Stephanie Ochs, Ali Krieger and Captain Lightning a.k.a Lori Lindsey will need to put on their game face as they suit up against the Hulk a.k.a Alex Morgan, Nikki Washington and Allie Long for a chance to secure their first win.
Washington may not have produced a glamorous record as of yet in their NWSL career (0-1-2) but their players are sure to work over the Thorns midfield. For Washington their task is not strictly limited to containing Christine Sinclair or Alex Morgan; the majority of their concentration will have to be placed in the midfield where the commanding Washington, Long, and Angie Kerr reside. This midfield trio is the key to getting the ball to Morgan’s feet. If Washington can shut down that connections, they’ll be in good shape.
Captain Lightning a.k.a Lori Lindsey will need to supply enough room for Diana Matheson to push up into the box while Stephanie Ochs and Ali Krieger distract the Thorns backline. Krieger will be instrumental in shipping crosses to the top of the box for Ochs or Matheson to receive. In last week’s match against Sky Blue FC; Tiffany McCarty couldn’t connect with the offensive play, preventing her from getting extended time on the ball. She had a poor match, but Ochs put on a sensational performance with overlapping runs up and down the field, directing crosses towards McCarty. Ochs will need to find this motivation again in order to give Washington or Long a good chase on the field.
Morgan remains a titan on the field, but her role is not only to score but to find avenues for her teammates to put the ball in the back of the net. Last week she demonstrated her versatility on the ball as she attempted to connect with Sinclair and Kerr on offensive plays, shipping the ball into the box. With this new role she has undertaken recently, the Spirit will have a bigger task at hand and Lindsey along with Krieger will likely be chosen to mark Morgan as they are both quick and strong at defense from multiple angles on the field.
Washington Spirit Injuries
OUT: N/A In Doubt: Caroline Miller
Portland Thorns Injuries
OUT: Emilee O’Neil
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 7 pm ET.
Venue: Maryland Soccerplex Stadium, Boyds, Maryland.
Online: Washington Spirit LiveStream site.
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