While D.C. United go on the road to face rivals the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey this Sunday, local soccer fans will still be able to catch professional soccer at Audi Field this weekend. The National Women's Soccer League's Washington Spirit are set to become the first professional women's team to play at Audi Field, taking on the reigning NWSL champions the Portland Thorns this Saturday, August 25 at 8 PM ET.
Saturday's match will be the first women's professional soccer game played in the District since the Washington Freedom's final showing at RFK Stadium in 2010.
“Having Audi Field open is fantastic," Briana Scurry, former Washington Freedom goalkeeper and current Spirit assistant coach, said. "I think it is going to be a great testament to our game and I really hope that D.C. comes out and supports women’s soccer. It has been a long time coming and it’s fantastic to have a soccer-specific stadium in the D.C. area.”
The Spirit-Thorns matchup will pit some of the nation's top professional talents against one another—U.S. Women's National Team stars Mallory Pugh and Rose Lavelle lead the line for Washington, while fellow national team teammates Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan headline Portland's lineup.
"The fact that we are going to be the first women's team to play here is really special," forward Mallory Pugh said. "[Audi Field] is a beautiful stadium and beautiful facility, so being able to play a game here will be amazing."
After the Spirit host the Thorns, the Black-and-Red return to Audi Field looking to capture their fifth-straight home win when they take on the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, Aug. 29.
