Spirit Head Coach, Jim Gabarra wh0 played pro on LI and with the USMNT, our friend since the mid'80's.
The history that was made in the historic City Stadium in Richmond was the first NWSL game played there. Both coaches have strong Long Island ties with NC HC Paul Riely having played and coached here and Spirit coach Jim Gabarra having played here, as Crystal Dunn of RVC had an assist. 2 of the 3 goals came off headed balls as from their the first corner they had in the game Abby Dahlkemper served up the assist too Abby Erceg as the defender nodded it home just 12 minutes in. 11 minutes after Jessica McDonald put one in off the assist from Crystal. The 84th minute closed out the scoring off the foot of Kristen Hamilton from Lynn Williams. The stout defensive set of Erceg, Dahlkemper, Jaelene Hinkle and Merritt Mathias lead the way to a 5th shuout in the last preseason game, scary for their competition.