D.C. United and the Washington Spirit are in action Saturday seeking first victories, but since the women’s soccer team will mark its home opener and, frankly, has a better outlook, let’s start there.
After a 2-1 defeat in Seattle last weekend, the Spirit will welcome the Orlando Pride and two former Washington captains, Ali Krieger and Shelina Zadorsky, to Maryland SoccerPlex for a 3:50 p.m. kickoff.
Both teams are understaffed because of international call-ups and injuries, but Orlando was hit harder.
With the South American championship, known as Copa America Femenina, starting Wednesday in Chile, Brazil recalled the most decorated female player in history, Marta, an Orlando forward who has won the FIFA world player of the year award on five occasions, finished second in the voting four times and third twice.