Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC score: Purce nets last-minute winner in NWSL Fall Series opener

Sky Blue FC came with the win on the road against Washington Spirit

The NWSL Fall Series got underway on Saturday with Sky Blue FC defeating Washington Spirit, 2-1, at Segra Field in Virginia. Midge Purce scored the winner in the dying minutes to secure three points for the New Jersey-based club as each side plays for the Community Shield, which is awarded to the points leader among all three regional pods. 

Sky Blue FC were able to set the tone in the first half with Ifeoma Onumonu breaking through in the 18th minute to give her side the lead. Washington Spirit would eventually play their way into the match, but were unable to click in the final third. Spirit found the equalizer late in the game thanks to a penalty kick from Paige Nielsen. Mallory Pugh, who made her Sky Blue debut, had looks on goal after subbing in the 61st minute, but got the game-winning assist in stoppage time when she found Midge Purce making a run into the box. Purce put slotted the ball into the back of the net past Spirit keeper Aubrey Bledsoe for the winner in the 92nd minute. 

Top plays

Onumonu scores first goal of Fall Series

Ifeoma Onumonu had a solid Challenge Cup campaign with her strong play off the ball and ability to hold up play and set up her teammates. She opened the scoring account in the Fall Series opener, as she dispossessed and converted in the 18th minute. 

Purce and Pugh set up game-winner

Pugh made her Sky Blue FC debut as a second-half sub and came away with the go-ahead assist in stoppage time thanks to Midge Purce's magnificent run. 

Notable performances

Let's rate some of the notable performances on the day, with one being the worst and 10 being perfection:

Midge Purce, Sky Blue FC: After spending time as an outside back throughout the entirety of the Challenge Cup, Purce was given the start up top and she did not disappoint. Her impact was immediate as Sky Blue pressed high early in the match to set the tempo. Her ability to break lines, set up teammates and score was on full display -- including the winning goal. RATING: 10

Sabrina Flores, Sky Blue FC: Large parts of Purce's play was spearheaded by New Jersey native Sabrina Flores, who is coming off a real positive Challenge Cup campaign. She picked things up right where she left off as an outside back. Her link-up play with Purce disrupted the Spirit's defense and opened up play early for the team. RATING: 8.5

Sam Stabb, Washington Spirit: The second-year defender had her troubles on the back line going up against a top line that saw Purce, Onumonu, Paige Monaghan (and eventually Pugh). She'll want to do more in the next match. RATING: 6

Final thought

Players on both teams utilized the return of NWSL in the fall as a moment to express continued solidarity with the NWSL Black Players coalition and Black Lives Matter prior to kickoff. It was an opportunity to show collective support for players who have expressed that there were short comings and room for improvement when ensuring the NWSL is a place that supports them. 

A look ahead

The Fall Series continues next weekend as 2019 NWSL champions North Carolina Courage take on 2020 Challenge Cup champions Houston Dash. Sky Blue FC will have a bye week and Washington Spirit will host Chicago Red Stars. Each game will be streamed on Twitch.

• North Carolina Courage vs. Houston Dash, Friday at 7 p.m. ET: Two competitive teams will likely put on a show in their Fall Series debut. 

• Washington Spirit vs Chicago Red Stars, Saturday at 12 p.m. ET: Chicago fell to Washington in their Challenge Cup group stage, will it be another victory over the Red Stars for the Spirit?

Washington Spirit 1, Sky Blue FC 2 (FINAL)

⚽ Sky Blue FC: Ifeoma Onumonu (18')
⚽ Washington Spirit: Paige Nielsen (89') 
⚽ Sky Blue FC: Midge Purce (90'+2')  

[Sep 5, 2020 at 10:59 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

GOAL

90+2' Sky Blue FC relentless on the counter, Pugh feed Purce this time and she takes control and carries the ball in the box, takes her shot and slots it past the goal keeper. Now lead 1-2.

[Sep 5, 2020 at 2:58 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Off the post

90 + 1' Mal Pugh with time and space in the box once again, is able to drag Bledsoe out of the box but her shot is off the post.

[Sep 5, 2020 at 2:55 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

PK converted

Paige Neilsen steps up to take the penalty kick and puts the shot away low post, 1-1 in the 89th minute. 

[Sep 5, 2020 at 2:54 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Penalty

87' Skroski with a poor challenge in the box leads to a penalty kick for Washington Spirit. 

[Sep 5, 2020 at 2:50 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Chance

83' Sky Blue FC respond with another counter, find Pugh once again who continues her run into the box and her shot is deflected out for a corner kick.