Spirit shutout Tarheels 2-0 in preseason college series

GERMANTOWN, Md. (Mar. 30, 2013) - The Washington Spirit professional women's soccer team defeated defending NCAA champions North Carolina 2-0 today in front of 1725 fans at the sunny Maryland SoccerPlex. The Spirit have yet to concede a goal, in what was their third preseason exhibition game in two weeks, with two more to go until starting their first National Women's Soccer League season in Boston on April 14.

The Spirit have now played 270 minutes of scoreless soccer at the back, despite starting today without several players expected to patrol the back line for the regular season, including missing international veterans Ali Krieger, Robyn Gayle and Candace Chapman. Krieger, Gayle, Ashlyn Harris and Diana Matheson all missed today's game while on international duty. Chapman has nearly recovered from off-season knee surgery, and was out of uniform today. 

Duke hold Washington Spirit to scoreless draw

GERMANTOWN, Md. (Mar. 24, 2013) - Fielding a lineup mirroring one that could easily start the NWSL season April 14, the Washington Spirit battled the Duke Blue Devils to a entertaining, yet disappointing 0-0 draw in front of 544 fans at the Maryland SoccerPlex home today. The match is the second of a five-game preseason college exhibition series planned by the Spirit as they prepare for their first season in the National Women's Soccer League.

All games in the series are free to attend, with the Spirit taking on the defending National Champion North Carolina on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the SoccerPlex. Over 2,200 tickets have been claimed for the match so far; with fans wishing to attend only needing to claim passes at tickets.washingtonspirit.com.

Playing in their only game of the preseason due to upcoming national team games, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Diana Matheson, and Robyn Gayle all started in Mike Jorden's 4-3-3 formation. It was also the debut for U.S. international Lori Lindsey, who is expected to remain with her Spirit teammates for the duration of preseason, barring a late call-up.

Florida draftee Holly King also made an appearance today while home on spring break. The third round draft pick is finishing school before joining the Spirit full time in May.