Following their emphatic victory in Estonia, Gintra returned home on Wednesday to host newly crowned Latvian champions Riga FC in an important Baltic League match.
Although the hosts took the lead in a fluctuating contest, the yellow-and-blacks 1:2 (1–2 at half-time) were beaten by Riga, who strengthened their position at the top of the Baltic League table.
Starting lineup: G. Lukjančukė, R. Beal, I. Kuku, T. Romanovskaja, L. Kubiliūtė (42' min. B. David), L.Ribeiro, T. Brown, L. Spenazzatto, C. Caliz (78' min. E. Šupelytė), M. Bowers, B. Taylor (74' min. V. Igbonoba).
Goals:
Gintra: T. Brown (10' min.) – 1.
Riga: K. Brima (11′, 33 min.) – 2.
Back at their home ground, Gintra struck first when Tamara Brown finished skilfully from Laura Spenazzatto's pass to make it 1–0. The hosts had little time to enjoy the lead: just a minute later, Brima Kumba equalised for Riga.
The 33rd minute brought another setback as Kumba scored her second with a powerful free kick to put Riga 2–1 ahead. Neither team scored again before the interval, leaving Gintra a goal down at the break.
The hosts took the initiative in the second half, but neither Spenazzatto nor Madison Bowers could convert their chances.
Urged on by their supporters, Gintra controlled the game and continued searching for an equaliser, but their efforts proved fruitless. Despite fighting until the final moments, the Lithuanian champions had to congratulate Riga on their victory.
Gintra's next Baltic League match is on 9 August, when they host Estonian runners-up Saku Sporting.
Match highlights:
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