The Washington Spirit overcame a slow start to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies 1-0 in their final preseason test last night at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The Spirit, despite out-shooting the Hokies 19-1 on the night, needed most of the game before they began to pile up true chances, with Joanna Lohman finally breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute.
With international call-ups leaving him without five projected starters, Spirit head coach Richie Burke handed starts to four different rookies (Dorian Bailey, Sam Staab, Tegan McGrady, and Jordan DiBiasi) and two players with only one year of NWSL experience (Paige Nielsen and Megan Crosson).