Washington Spirit Reserves News Release - www.washingtonspirit.com
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
BOYDS, Md. – In continued preparation for the start of the 2014 W-League season, the Washington Spirit eagerly announced today the return of Andi Sullivan and Brittany Basinger to the Reserves roster. Fresh off a two-game series sweep of China earlier this month in Florida, the United States U-20 Women’s National Team duo return to the Spirit Reserves after a successful run with the squad in 2013.
Following the W-League season this summer, both Sullivan and Basinger will represent the United States at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, beginning in August.
A native of Lorton, Virginia, Sullivan is no stranger to the W-League. Prior to her stint with the Spirit Reserves last year, the dynamic midfielder was a member of the starting eleven for D.C United Women at the age of 16. Also the youngest member of the current U.S. U-20 WNT squad, Sullivan will join Stanford University this fall.
As a freshmen defender at Penn State last fall, Basinger started all 23 games for the Nittany Lions and helped the team to a 15-7-1 record. Basinger scored a goal for the United States in January against Guatemala, crashing in towards the far post from the left back position. The goal was not her first for the U.S. WNT program, however, as Basinger notched her first tally as a member of the U-17 team against Slovenia in July of 2012.
Both Sullivan and Basinger started for Washington at the 2013 USL W-League Championships Final Four at the end of last summer in Bradenton, Florida. Sullivan scored the first goal of the weekend for the Spirit Reserves, hammering a shot home from distance to draw the match equal against the Pali Blues in the semifinals.
“I am very excited to welcome these two players back to the Spirit Reserves,” Head Coach German Peri said. “Andi and Brittany are a great example of the high level of talent in the league as well as within the Spirit organization.
“Having seen them both play locally, I know they will instantly add valuable experience to the team.”
The Washington Spirit Reserves face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Northeast Conference this season, including historic playoff contenders the Long Island Rough Riders and W-League veterans the New York Magic.
The Spirit Reserves kick off their season Saturday, May 17 against the Braddock Road Stars Elite at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Match time is currently slated for 3 p.m. and is the first match of a special doubleheader with the Washington Spirit professional side. The Spirit take on Abby Wambach and the Western New York Flash at 6:30 p.m.