BOYDS, MARYLAND (May 19, 2018) — It wasn’t exactly the two matches the Washington Spirit were hoping to have.
Two home matches on back-to-back weekends featured two 1-0 losses. Last weekend, it was the North Carolina Courage that continued their undefeated streak at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
This week, the culprit was the Portland Thorns FC.
Washington Spirit Lose Third Match in a Row, Falling to Portland Thorns
Specifically, substitute Ellie Carpenter was the tide-turner in the match. After her arrival in the 64th minute for Margaret Purce, Carpenter scored the game-winning goal for Portland in the 68th minute.
The goal, which was assisted by Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, only took Carpenter four minutes to score.
The victory was sweet for Portland, who have not won since April 15 against the Orlando Pride. The last five matches produced two losses and three draws.
Thorns FC Head Coach Mark Parsons explained the importance of three points.
“Three points was a must,” Parsons said. “Now we can continue to grow with these new players that have come in. It was important to get that out of the way. Now we can get back home and try to move forward a couple of steps.”
Parsons said his side showed “grit” against Washington.
“We showed good character,” Parsons said. “It’s what we’ve always been built on: Hard work, resilience and finding ways to get it done.”
Meanwhile, Washington continues their slump. They have not won a match since March 31, also against the Pride. They have compiled an April-May record of 0-4-2.
Meet the youngest goal-scorer in @NWSL history. Congrats, @CarpenterEllie. #BAONPDX #WASvPOR pic.twitter.com/66ZCVd9Hzi
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) May 20, 2018
Three Takeaways
- Where’s the Lavelle update? Midfielder Rose Lavelle has not seen any time on the pitch since last season. The U.S. Women’s National Team capped player is still rehabbing a left hamstring injury. However, Washington has been scarce on their updates. Will Lavelle return any time soon for her struggling team?
- Get Joanna Lohman in there: After recovering from her ACL injury last season, Joanna Lohman hasn’t featured in a starting role much for Washington. Jim Gabarra certainly has young, eligible starters like Ashley Hatch, Andi Sullivan, Caprice Dydasco and Mallory Pugh, but it’s time to let Lohman help the younger players out.
- No playing time for Yanara Aedo: Despite helping Chile reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualifying bid, Yanara Aedo has been invisible to Gabarra. She didn’t feature last season and hasn’t picked up a single minute this season. It’s time for Gabarra to open his eyes and give Aedo some time on the pitch. Who knows? Maybe she could be the one to turn the slump around.
📷 Sights from Saturday night at the Plex!#WeWill // #SpiritFam 👻 pic.twitter.com/1SnwnpVUyd
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) May 20, 2018
