How do I get my 2D sprite direction to change on 'release'

I am making a multiplayer 2D side scroller game like Street Fighter. When I move my characters they face the correct way as long as I am pressing the direction key, however, once I release, the sprites always face to the right. It only happens when I ‘release’ the key (no buttons pressed). If I am moving left, and I release the button, he should still be facing left.

Alternatively, since it’s a fighting game, it would also be helpful if the characters would always be facing each other. So if I jump over the character and then release the keys, he still looks at player 2.

Anyone know how to do this? I’m using the basic setup from the 2D side scroller template.