One moment you’re hot.

The next moment you’re not.

After scoring seven goals at home in two games while only conceding one, the Philadelphia Independence lost to the last-place Washington Freedom on Wednesday night 2–0. The Independence have only two road wins on the season with three losses and two draws.

Play was underway for 31 minutes until thunderstorms caused a 45 minute delay. Before that, Independence goalkeeper Val Henderson was called upon to make several clutch saves, including stopping a penalty kick by US international star Abby Wambach.

Eight minutes after the resumption of play, Wambach’s header from a Sonja Bompastor corner kick made it 1–0.

Two minutes later, Wambach made it 2–0, this time with a flick-on header from a long free kick from Cat Whitehill taken just inside the half-way line.

The Independence made some second half substitutions that added momentum to their attack but they could not finish their chances.

Coming on in the 53rd minute, Tina Dimartino beat her defender to send a pass to Joanna Lohman, whose shot went over the bar. Lindsey Patterson nearly put the Independence on the board in the 90th minute with a header that that also went over the bar.

The best chance for the Independence came in the 78th minute. A strong series of passes found an unmarked Amy Rodriguez, who was otherwise strongly covered throughout the match. Shooting from the left side of the 18 yard box, Rodriguez sent the ball over the crossbar.

Washington’s victory ended their ten game winless streak.

The Independence next face Boston Breakers at home on Sunday, August 8 at 8pm. Boston is currently in third place and just two points behind the Independence with their 2–0 win over Atlanta Beat on Wednesday. When the two teams last met on July 4 in West Chester, Philadelphia lost 2–1.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Independence