Washington Spirit Earn Draw to Remain Atop the NWSL Table
Washington Spirit remain atop the NWSL standings following a 1-1 draw versus the WNY Flash at Maureen Hendricks Field Maryland SoccerPlex. Portland Thorns dominated the Boston Breakers in a 5-1 victory to jump four points behind the Spirit, while the Chicago Red Stars skid with a tie against Seattle Reign FC.
NWSL Soccer News: Week 17 of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) comes to a close as the Washington Spirit maintain a four-point lead atop the NWSL table following a 1-1 draw versus the Western New York Flash at home.
Katie Stengel put the Spirit on the board in the 64th minute off an assist from Crystal Dunn. The Flash’s Samantha Mewis tied up the score in the 86th to salvage a point and keep the New York club in playoff position.
Washington clinch the first playoff spot heading into the last two weeks of the regular season.
The Houston Dash defeated the Orlando Pride in an intense 4-2 matchup at BBVA Compass Stadium. Kealia Ohai’s brace led Houston to their fifth win of the season as she jumps to the top of the scoring leaderboard with nine goals on the season.
FC Kansas City topped Sky Blue FC 2-1 to kick off Sunday afternoon at Swope Soccer Village. Samantha Kerr gave Sky Blue the lead in the 40th minute off a stunning strike from outside the box.
Tiffany McCarty’s goal in stoppage time brought the match level heading into the halftime break. Yael Averbuch extended FC Kansas City’s lead in the 85th minute to secure a victory for the home side.
Portland Thorns FC defeated the Boston Breakers in a dominating 5-1 victory at Providence Park to put the host club within four points of league-leading Washington Spirit. Forward Nadia Nadim led Portland with a hat-trick on the night along with goals from Christine Sinclair and Allie Long adding to the home side’s tally.
Julie King scored Boston’s lone goal off an assist from Eunice Beckmann.
Chicago Red Stars and Seattle Reign FC closed out Week 17 with 2-2 draw at Toyota Park. Forwards Christen Press and Sofia Huerta tallied two goals for Chicago who currently sit in third place of the NWSL.
Seattle Reign sit in fifth place heading into an important last few weeks of the 2016 season before playoffs kick off in October. Houston are set to host the NWSL Championship scheduled for Sunday, October 9th.
Related Article: Houston Dash to Host NWSL Championship
Photo Credit: Washington Spirit
