Pride lose 2-1 to Washington Spirit

Orlando returns to Camping World Stadium for its first home game in 41 days

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Pride lost 2-1 to the Washington Spirit, which is the current leading National Women's Soccer League team.

The Pride returned Friday night to Camping World Stadium for its first home game in 41 days.

"We knew we were coming up against a team that was at the top of the league and in really good form," Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said. "They have had a really consistent lineup for some time, so we knew it was going to be a very difficult game tonight. I think we played with a lot of passion and a lot of commitment in the last 30 minutes and really got ourselves back in the game. Overall, I was pleased with the effort of the team. They leave everything on the field. I was happy with the effort, but disappointed with the result."

Team officials said Sarah Hagen scored her second goal of the season, beating Washington Spirit goalkeeper Kelsey Wys after coming into the match just eight minutes prior. Cami Levin sent a low cross into the box, bouncing under the foot of the Spirit defender to Hagen, who put in a goal for the Pride.

Orlando regained possession and Jasmyne Spencer shot forward, beating multiple defenders before putting pressure on Wys, team officials said. Washington's defense recovered to block Spencer's would-be equalizer.

Dani Weatherholt sent a cross into the box to Captain Alex Morgan, but her header was saved on a fingertip effort by Wys. Team officials said Morgan came knocking again early in the second half. Rookie Samantha Witteman sent an inswinging cross in from the left side, which the forward headed toward the Spirit goal, but it was just over the crossbar.

With just minutes to play, Morgan nearly had the equalizer after a lofted pass from Kristen Edmonds, however, her left-footed effort rolled wide of the far post, officials said.

Washington scored a goal on each side of the half, taking the lead in the 37th minute when Caprice Dydasco found Cheyna Williams inside of the penalty area. Team officials said Christine Nairn doubled the visitors' lead 10 minutes into the second half after Katie Stengel slotted a pass across the box, finding the midfielder open on the wing. Nairn collected the ball then tucked her shot into the far post for what would be the game-winner.

Orlando travels to face the Houston Dash on Saturday, Sept. 3.