Washington Spirit forward Ouleymata Sarr faces off with Arsenal’s goalie. Courtesy of Fredo Vasquez
By Fredo Vasquez
On August 18, Audi Field witnessed a landmark event as the Washington Spirit faced off against Arsenal W.F.C. in a highly anticipated international friendly. This match marked the first time the Spirit hosted an international opponent at their home ground and was also part of Arsenal’s inaugural tour in the United States.
The game drew a passionate crowd, eager to see the clash between these two prominent women’s soccer teams. Arsenal started strong, with forward Alessia Russo making an immediate impact by scoring an early goal. Russo’s clinical finishing put Arsenal ahead, showcasing why she is regarded as one of the top forwards in the game today.
Despite the early setback, the Washington Spirit demonstrated resilience and determination. The Spirit’s persistence paid off at the end of the first half when forward Ouleymata Sarr found the back of the net, leveling the score and reigniting the energy in the stadium.
The second half saw both teams battling intensely, with the Spirit holding their own against the visiting Arsenal side. However, in the 74th minute, Russo struck again, securing her second goal of the match and ultimately sealing a 2-1 victory for Arsenal.
This match was also special for the Spirit as it marked the debut of Colombian international Leicy Santos. Santos, who recently joined the Spirit, showed flashes of brilliance in her first appearance, hinting at the potential impact she could have on the team going forward.
While Arsenal emerged victorious, the match was more than just a scoreline. It was a celebration of women’s soccer, bringing together fans from different parts of the world and setting the stage for more international encounters in the future. The game was a testament to the growing popularity and quality of women’s soccer, leaving fans eager for more high-profile matches at Audi Field.