So far, the 2014 Washington Spirit is nothing like its 2013 team. From the players and their chemistry, to its undefeated preseason, this team seems to have changed for the better. The real proof will come today as the Spirit faces U.S. National team (USNT) players Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd, and the rest of the Western New York Flash (WNY). The Flash are the 2013 NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) regular-season champions and have the league’s most threatening offense and defense with 36 goals and 20 goals against.
While the Flash have had a productive preseason as well — beating three of the four teams it’s played — the Spirit are coming off of a 7-0 victory against the University of Maryland. They have arguably had one of the most competitive preseason schedules of any of the eight NWSL teams, facing University of North Carolina, the University of Virginia and Maryland.
Since many changes have taken place on both of the teams playing today, it is unknown what either will bring to the table for this match. Washington Spirit head coach and general manager Mark Parsons is sure however, of a few things that WNY’s sixth-year head coach Aaran Lines will bring.
“One guarantee you get from them is they’re going to be fast, they’re going to be furious, they’re going to be physical and that lineup that Aaran is going to put out is going to be full of winners,” said Parsons.
One of the Spirit’s main objectives during this match will be to make sure the team pressures as one unit and does not leave the Flash with too much space or time on the ball. Leading this defensive strategy vocally will be U.S. National Team and former Flash goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, who is very familiar with her opponent’s style of play.
USNT player and NWSL no. 1 overall draft pick, Crsytal Dunn, is set to return for this match and is expected to bring leadership from the midfield along with USNT player and Spirit defender Ali Krieger, who will do the same from the back line.
Whatever the result, this game is sure to be competitive. Fortunately, these teams will have two more opportunities to play one another this season.