May 10, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. – Inserted into today’s Starting XI, midfielder Chloe Ricketts made her first career NWSL start, and defender Camryn Biegalski made her first start of the 2023 season (any competition).
The Pride wasted no time applying offensive pressure as Caitlin Cosme shot a ball just wide of goal. Only six minutes later, in the 10th minute, Tori Hansen notched the first goal of the game, putting Orlando up, 1-0. It was only the second goal surrendered at Audi Field this season. Hansen’s goal came off a corner that snuck through a scrum in the box and past keeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
The Spirit answered, with forward Civana Kuhlmann logging two shots in quick succession – one a header from deep that went just over the goal and the second a shot from an angle that skipped to the left of the post. Amber Brooks added to the offensive pressure in the 24th, sliding in to the back post and connecting with a cross from midfielder Marissa Sheva that was sent over the goal.
However, in the 33rd, the levee broke and the Spirit’s attack was awarded in quick succession. Forward Lena Silano sent a shot to the bottom left corner of goal from outside of the box that snuck past Orlando’s Kaylie Collins. The goal was the first of her young NWSL career and she accomplished it in just her second career NWSL start (through all competitions).
Five minutes later, the Spirit struck again and took the lead, 2-1. Defender Sam Staab, who typically navigates the Spirit’s set pieces, launched a direct free kick from just outside the right part of the box. Staab’s goal tonight was her first UKG NWSL Challenge Cup goal since the inaugural Challenge Cup in which she scored a header to equalize against Portland Thorns FC. Staab also continued her streak of scoring in every season in which she has played. Additionally, her goal was just the sixth direct free kick goal in Challenge Cup history. The Spirit has two of them (Ashley Sanchez’s last April at Gotham FC).
A third goal in nine minutes came in similar fashion as the two before – Marissa Sheva scored her first career NWSL goal on another bomb from outside the box. Sheva’s goal was assisted by Ricketts who recorded her first career assist. Ricketts becomes the youngest player to have ever logged an assist in the Challenge Cup, usurping teammate Trinity Rodman who previously held the record.
Silano nearly added to the fun again minutes after Sheva…