Another match, another 3 points for the D.C. United Women who beat the Fredricksburg Impact 4-1 on Sunday. After dropping their first points of the season in a 1-1 tie with Virginia Beach last week the United have won 2 straight and clinched a first place finish in the Atlantic Division. With the race for the division now over the squad can start looking at clinching home field advantage for the playoffs.
Things started off quickly on a 7th minute throw in from Sam Baker. Baker threw it deep into the box and Tiffany Brown controlled the ball for an easy goal. It was Brown’s first goal of the season, as she continues to look dangerous up front.
The star of the match though was again Lianne Sanderson.
After a couple straight disappointing outings for Sanderson she made her presence felt for the United Women, single handedly dominating Fredricksburg for the 2nd time this season. In the 9th minute Sanderson intercepted an Impact clearance about 25 yards out. Without hesitation she powered the ball over the outstretched hands of the keeper into the top left corner for her 3rd goal of the season.
She wasn’t done though, playing the role of provider in the 26th minute. Off a goal kick Sanderson headed the ball forward to Mikaela Howell who slipped the shot past the oncoming goalie. Not satisfied she scored her second goal of the match in the 53rd minute and almost had a 3rd, but couldn’t capitalize on a penalty kick in the 68th.
It was not a surprising performance as Sanderson had scored twice in an match earlier in the season with the Impact. With Sanderson, Howell, and Brown all running on full cylinders the offensive power of United may be hard to match going forward.
The Impact showed life early scoring in the 10th minute and pulling within a goal, but couldn’t find sustained possession in the second half and wilted under the pressure. With the win the United sweep the season series with Fredricksburg by a combined score of 13-3.
With just two remaining games before the start of the postseason the United continue to dominate and look to lock up home field advantage with wins in their last two matches. With Atlanta only a couple points back the last couple matches could mean everything for the United Women.
Next up on July 7th D.C. hosts the Dayton Dutch Lions and go to Virginia Beach to play the 2nd place Piranhas in the finale.
The United Women look to be shaping into form at the best possible time.
