Deploying a youthful lineup missing several key players, the Washington Spirit flashed its potential and its inexperience during a 2-1 defeat to the North Carolina Courage in NWSL Challenge Cup play Wednesday night at Audi Field.
Despite the result, secured on a North Carolina goal in second-half stoppage time, Coach Mark Parsons left the contest optimistic.
“I [was] really happy with 90 percent of what we did tonight. We looked like the Washington Spirit — a lot of players played and got invaluable experience,” he said. “Our players are growing, and, yes, we’re trying to win every game right now — it’s very important.