In one of their best performances of the year, Washington Spirit defeated Seattle Reign FC 2-0 at home Sunday evening. Trinity Rodman scored both goals, with assists by Leicy Santos and Croix Bethune.

In their first clean sheet victory since an April 19 match against Orlando Pride, the Spirit held their opponents to two shots on target, avoided triggering counterattacks through accurate passes, and generally looked composed both in and out of possession. With 16 shots and 63 percent of possession, the Spirit could stand to improve their finishing, but this result against a defensively-solid Reign was one they can be proud of.

Rodman described the match as a test of the team’s ability to time their attacks correctly and said they spent much of the first half “kind of playing with it a little bit, trying to figure out what pockets were open, who was going to play it, who was going to run.” Her goals, she said, were the product of getting the timing right.

Her first came in the 32nd minute, after Gabby Carle dribbled the ball up-field and maneuvered around a defender to get it to Santos in the pocket. Santos chipped a through ball to the center of the box for Rodman, whose one-touch shot sent it hurtling into the far corner of the net for a goal.

The Spirit kept fans on their toes for much of the second half, struggling to find another goal to give themselves some breathing room, despite two early chances for Rodman. Meanwhile, the Reign had a few chances of their own in the second half, thrice requiring Aubrey Kingsbury to make a save to maintain the clean sheet.

Finally, in the 81st minute, the Spirit scored again. Paige Metayer passed the ball to Rodman, who was positioned at the sideline and made a long pass up to Bethune. Bethune received it and dribbled into the box, biding her time and avoiding challenges to allow Rodman to sprint in through the center. Rodman received the ball from Bethune and took another first-touch shot into the goal.

Rodman had a chance at a third shortly thereafter, when Gift Monday went on an incredible long run down the pitch and found her at the corner of the goal area, but she couldn’t settle it quickly enough to capitalize. Regardless, the Spirit managed the remaining time well, preventing any more shots by the Reign to protect their win and a six-game unbeaten streak.

“We knew what we wanted. We have… I think we’ve done a great job, especially executing the game plan,” Adrián González said after the game.

Up next: The Spirit are finally back on the road next week, playing the formidable Kansas City Current on Saturday, Sep. 13.

Three takeaways 

• Midfield magic. Much of Washington’s dominance can be credited to their strong midfield. Throughout the match, Santos and then Bethune provided creativity on the attack and Hal Hershfelt operated on both sides of the ball, preventing the Reign from moving through midfield while creating chances. But the revelation was Deb Abiodun, recently recalled from a loan and making her first start for the Spirit. With 3 interceptions and 11 recoveries, Abiodun was essential in keeping Washington in control of the match, plus she showed confidence in the attack, taking four shots.
• Concacaf effect. Though it’s increased wear-and-tear on the team, the Spirit’s stint in the Concacaf W Champions Cup has undoubtedly had some positive effects on their performance. With so many games in a short period of time, González said, “Those games are part of the training, and that’s the best training you can have.” This week in particular, the Spirit faced a Vancouver academy team playing in a very similar shape to Seattle’s — “obviously the level [of Reign’s quality] was much higher, much better,” González clarified — that helped them learn to break down and score against a strong back-five.
• Spotlight on Kingsbury. Especially after a clean sheet, it’s good to give some credit to the goalkeeper. Aubrey Kingsbury made three saves today but also showed how much of an asset she’s become with her feet. She was a reliable outlet to help the Spirit’s center backs switch play and had a 98 percent pass accuracy percentage, including six accurate long balls.

Box Score

NWSL Regular Season –  Game 19

Washington Spirit 2 (Rodman 33′, 81′)

Seattle Reign FC 0

Lineups

Washington Spirit (433): Aubrey Kingsbury (C); Tara McKeown (Kysha Sylla 72′), Gabby Carle, Esme Morgan, Paige Metayer; Leicy Santos (Croix Bethune 66′), Hal Hershfelt, Deborah Abiodun; Trinity Rodman, Kate Wiesner (Courtney Brown 72′), Sofia Cantore (Gift Monday 66′)

Seattle Reign FC (523): Claudia Dickey; Lauren Barnes (C) (Ana Maria Crnogorcevic 84′), Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry; Jess Fishlock (Ainsley McCannon 84′), Sam Meza; Maddie Dahlien (Nérilia Mondésirr 82′), Jordyn Huitema (Mia Fishel 82′), Emeri Adames (Sally Menti 57′)

Misconduct Summary

Washington Spirit:  Bethune 90+1′
Seattle Reign FC:  none

Lead image, courtesy of the Washington Spirit, shows Trinity Rodman and Sofia Cantore celebrating a goal in today’s game