Freedom Drop Home Opener to Renegades
Goalkeeper Kati Jo Spisak knocked out in 66th minute
The Boston Renegades came to the Maryland SoccerPlex and shutout the Defending Champion Freedom on a 54th minute goal from Mary Therese McDonnell. The first half produced numerous scoring chances for both teams, as both the Freedom and the Renegades were able to create quality shots. The best chances fell to the feet of Ali Andrzejewski of the Freedom. She had three clear looks at Boston keeper Meghan Burke but Burke made a point blank save on one and the other two were off target. Boston’s Allison Martino’s hard work created the best chances for Boston but KJ Spisak was up to the challenge. The teams went to the break tied 0-0. The Freedom had 10 shots to the Renegades’ 4. The Renegades’ Burke made 5 saves and Freedom’s Spisak made 2.
In the second half the Renegades counter attack produced the game’s first goal. The Freedom defense seemingly having numbers back and the attack diffused, had a collective let down and allowed Martino the opportunity to find McDonnell’s feet inside the penalty area for a well place shot to the lower left corner past a surprised Spisak. The scariest moment came in the 66th minute when off a Boston corner kick Freedom keeper KJ Spisak was fouled as she went high for a cross. She was knocked unconscious and remained on the ground until trainers, ER doctors in attendance and an ambulance arrived. She was taken to Shady Grove Hospital. Reportedly, she was awake, alert and smiling and will be fine. She suffered a concussion and will be reevaluated today and over the coming week. The Freedom players, staff and fans are all pleased that she will be ok. The last 25 minutes of the game the Freedom frantically tried to break down the Renegades defense. Again the Renegades looked to counter and produced one breakaway, but Freedom’s Chante Sandiford stood up and made a great save on Ashley Pistorious. Christie Welsh’s right-footed volley screamed just wide, and again the Freedom could not either find the target or when they did Burke was there to make the save.
Freedom coach Jim Gabarra: “I think as a team we played a good game against a quality opponent. You are going to have these types of games during a season. We created plenty of chances and it just seemed like today was one of those days that we were just not going to score. I am proud of the team for fighting so hard, never giving up and having the ability to play on after the Spisak injury which frightened all of us. Credit Boston with a great defensive effort.”
Renegades 1(McDonnell, assist Martino) Freedom 0
Shots: Renegades 8 Freedom 20
Saves: Renegades 8 Freedom 4
Corners: Renegades 5 Freedom 10
Attendance: 1400
