Former UNC Soccer stars return to the US as Arsenal begins their preseason tour

Arsenal Women have kicked their preseason into high gear with their first friendly of the summer. They took on the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) Washington Spirit at Audi Field on a hot and sticky August afternoon.

Arsenal features three former UNC soccer standouts: England internationals Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy, as well as Olympic gold medalist Emily Fox from Team USA. Fox did not feature, as she is still in recovery mode from the Olympics. Alessia Russo got the start, and she got the Gunners out of the blocks with an early goal from an audacious flick from a poor clearance in the box that the Spirit couldn't punt properly.

Washington was able to tie up the game in the last minute of stoppage time in the first half. Striker Ouleymata Sarr, who had been a nuisance to Arsenal's defense all half, had two shots inside the six-yard box blocked, but when the Gunners cleared the ball, Andi Sullivan lofted a cross into the 18-yard box, beyond every defender, and off the back of Sarr's head into goal.

Central defender Lotte Wubben-Moy came on in the second half and immediately made her presence felt. The 5-foot-10 Lioness, who is probably more steel than silk, bodied Sarr when the two were running towards Arsenal's goal, and Sarr crumpled in a heap while Wubben-Moy calmly let the ball run to her goalkeeper. Sarr was on the ground and required medical attention, and didn't factor into the game much after that.

Even though friendlies don't technically matter, it was winning time, and Arsenal needed to make something happen. Enter Russo. The forward was clever to time her run, staying onside while Swedish forward Rosa Kafaji stole a backward pass from Sarr and, in one touch, put Russo through on goal. The former Tar Heel took a touch to widen her angle on the onrushing goalkeeper and calmly slotted the game-winner through in the 74th minute.

Arsenal will continue their preseason in Washington with a friendly against hated rival Chelsea, also at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Emily Fox should be on the roster but may not start as she eases into game action.