Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride

at Audi Field

By D.C. United

March 8^th, 2021

On August 24, 2019, the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), played their second match in club history at Audi Field.

The Spirit had previously debuted at Audi Field on August 25, 2018 against the Portland Thorns. In that match, the Spirit broke their all-time attendance record by hosting 7,976 fans in the stadium.

Less than one year later, the Spirit shattered that record by welcoming 19,871 fans at Audi Field on August 24, 2019 for their match against the Orlando Pride in a historic night for women’s soccer fans in the DMV. Since the National Women’s Soccer League’s inaugural season in 2012, there have been only two other teams who have hosted a match with a higher attendance.

A packed Audi Field crowd were rewarded with an impressive display by the Spirit. Despite missing key players, including United States Women’s National Team stars Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh, the Spirit won the match 2-1 with goals coming from Crystal Thomas in the ninth minute and Ashley Hatch in the 59th minute. Marta, one of the greatest women’s soccer players of all time, scored the lone goal for the Orlando Pride in the 31st minute.

Since the National Women’s Soccer League’s inaugural season in 2012, there have been only two other teams who have hosted a match with a higher attendance.

The Spirit will kick-off their 2021 season with the NWSL Challenge Cup on April 9. You can follow the club on washingtonspirit.com and on social media @WashSpirit on Twitter and @WashingtonSpirit on Instagram.

Footnotes

📸: Xavier Fernández-Dussaq.

Button Label

FootNotes

📸: Xavier Fernández-Dussaq.