A 90th minute substitution at the Maryland SoccerPlex on 26 August marked Francisca Ordega’s return to action for Washington Spirit as they lost 2-1 to visiting Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The Nigerian international only featured in the five minutes of added time after replacing Alyssa Kleiner.
90' @OrdegaF makes her first appearance coming off the disabled list, subbing in for @alyssakleiner22! #WASvCHI
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) August 27, 2017
Ordega was placed on a 45-day disabled list due to the chondral defect on her right knee which she suffered in July during her side’s 2-2 draw against Orlando Pride and has undergone arthroscopic surgery as a result.
The 23-year-old was Spirit’s leading scorer with four goals and three assists before injury struck and – even after six weeks – she still is considering that Cheyna Williams, who has the same number of goals, falls short on assists.
Ordega’s return is definitely a huge boost for Jim Gabarra’s Spirit who have only managed one win in her absence.
Washington Spirit next play North Carolina Courage at home on 30 August.