It has been eight weeks since the Washington Spirit and Western New York Flash met. The first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw with second half goals from Samantha Kerr and Lori Lindsey.
Saturday's match will be different for both sides as their Canadian and American national team members are away on international duty. The Flash's leading goal scorer, Abby Wambach, will be absent, but their offense remains well equipped with McCall Zerboni and Angela Salem. These two could try to find Adriana or Laura Heyboer with crosses that could cause the Spirit problems.
The downside for the hosts is that their defensive line cannot compete with the Flash's indestructible back line. This weekend Washington is left to defend without Ali Krieger and Robyn Gayle, leaving them without half of their starting defense. If the Flash wish to continue their win streak, they must take advantage of this situation. Heyboer will likely start in place of Wambach this weekend, and her speed and physical strength is difficult to match so the defense may be one step behind her rather than ahead.
If the Washington defense gets frazzled by the pressure the Flash apply, then they might commit silly fouls close to the box. That will gift the Flash free kicks in a prime spot to earn the lead.
Washington Spirit
Injuries: N/A
National Team Duty: Ali Krieger, Diana Matheson, and Robyn Gayle
Western New York
Injuries: N/A
National Team Duty: Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd
Match Date/Time: Saturday June 15 2013 at 7:00 pm
Venue: Maryland Soccerplex, Boyds, Maryland
Online: NWSLSoccer YouTube Channel