On a rainy Wednesday night at Audi Field, Trinity Rodman scored the lone goal of the match to give the Washington Spirit their second consecutive win of the season. The match was well-controlled by the Spirit’s defense, and while there were opportunities to add a second, the defense remained strong and held Louisville to .41 xG and just one shot on target. [Fotmob]

It may have been a damp and gloomy evening, but it didn’t take long for the Spirit to show their intent. Rodman got the ball wide a couple times early in the match, and had a couple whacks at goal after cutting inside. Then, in the 15th minute, the Spirit opened the scoring through Rodman after terrific interplay between Rose Kouassi and Sofia Cantore. The duo kept Racing defenders twisting and turning until Cantore could find Rodman darting toward the penalty spot.

Rodman’s smart first touch half volley finish flew by Jordyn Bloomer for the game’s first goal. The goal was Rodman’s second of the season, and second in consecutive matches.

The Spirit had a couple additional chances that were either saved by Bloomer or failed to generate a quality shot in the end. Cantore has notably been making more patient, playmaker style decisions in transition. Leicy Santos had the best chance of the half after popping up in the box at the right time yet again. Unfortunately, her left footed shot curled wide of the far post.

As the final ten minutes of the half ticked down, Louisville threatened to send them into the break level as McMahon cut inside and skimmed a shot off the top of the bar.

Halftime | 1-0

The second half started with a few subs entering the fray. Both Spirit fullbacks, Kate Wiesner and Lucia Di Guglielmo, were replaced by Gabby Carle and Paige Metayer. Louisville decided to add some threat in midfield by taking off Sarah Weber for Katie O’Kane.

Paige Metayer nearly replicated her trademark playoff goal and weaved her way through Louisville’s defense but hit a sliding shot that Bloomer was able to get low to save. Rodman was screaming for the ball at the far side, but Louisville did a good job of blocking the passing lane and forcing Metayer into a shot before the defense closed in.

In a great moment, Andi Sullivan stepped onto the pitch for Rebeca Bernal for her first appearance on the pitch at Audi since September 15, 2024.

The feel good didn’t last long, as Louisville looked to have won a penalty after a Hal Hershfelt challenge a few seconds later. Good vibes returned once the referee went to the monitor at the request of VAR, and decided to overturn the penalty call. The decision served as a bit of a wake up call to the Spirit, who were controlling the match but still only had the narrowest advantage the scoreboard can show.

After all that, Rodman was fed a lovely ball to the penalty spot and had the far side of the goal to shoot at but dragged the shot wide. The chance will likely register as the Spirit’s highest xG value shot of the match, and should have put the Spirit up 2-0.

Hal has been all over the place and deserved the penalty to be called off. After, she remained aggressive and got in the way of several Louisville buildup attempts.

With the match winding down things were a little bit nervy around Audi given the scoreline. Louisville weren’t really threatening, and Emma Sears was subbed out of the match after making minimal impact. But Racing were in desperation mode, dropping into a 442 and getting Taylor Flint higher up the pitch to assist with winning long balls. The nerves ramped up as the referee announced seven(!) minutes of stoppage time.

Claudia Martínez was fed through on goal by Santos and had a 1v1 with Bloomer, but waited a tad too long and could only shoot into the keeper’s torso. Another chance that should have been a second goal went begging, putting the Spirit in a precarious but familiar situation as stoppage time wound down. Louisville punted a couple deep free kicks into the box but they were dealt with well by MacIver and the defenders around her.

Full Time | 1-0

In the end the Spirit clung on until the final whistle, securing another three points, their second consecutive win, and club-record fourth straight clean sheet.

Up next: The third match of the week is a scrap against Orlando Pride, Saturday, at 4pm @ Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on ION.

Three takeaways 

• Sofia Cantore: Playmaker. Postgame, Cantore was asked about becoming more a playmaker. She noted that she’s never been a pure goalscorer, and that in her play as a winger she’s used to assisting other players. It’s been a bit of a learning curve in the league, particular as a central player. After the match, both head coach Adrián González praised Cantore’s development in learning when and how to make inside-out runs to combine with the rest of the attack.
  
  
• The Cleanest of Sheets. Technically, goalkeeper Sandy MacIver was credited with just one save, so her job on the day seemed rather simple. In reality, Racing Louisville pose unique challenges that can turn any moment into something dangerous, particularly if Emma Sears can find space or gain a step on a defender. In the mixed zone after the game, MacIver credited the defense for their organization, even when González subbed both fullbacks at halftime. Hal Hershfelt and Esme Morgan gave credit back to Sandy, complimenting her constant communication and ability to give them the right information, succinctly, and at the right time.
  
  
• Trinity Rodman is Heating Up. Rodman scored the only goal of the game, and it was her second in as many games. While postgame she said the team was frustrated they didn’t score more, the goal was a difficult, quality finish. González said postgame that the goal wasn’t just a sign of an in-form attacker putting the ball in the net, but that specific movement is something Rodman has been working hard on in training. Her role on the left side in possession is clear—cut inside, find angles to shoot or assist—but out of possession she’s been working on staying connected to the play when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. For the goal, she did just that, cutting across her defender in the box at the right time.

BOX SCORE
NWSL Regular Season | Matchday 7

Washington Spirit 1-0 Racing Louisville
[Rodman, ’15]

Lineups

Washington Spirit (433): Sandy MacIver; Kate Wiesner (Carle ’46), Tara Rudd [C], Lucia DiGuglielmo (Metayer 46′), Esme Morgan; Rebeca Bernal (Sullivan ’62), Leicy Santos, Hal Hershfelt; Trinity Rodman, Rose Kouassi (Martínez ’79), Sofia Cantore (Monday ’87)

Racing Louisville (4231): Jordyn Bloomer; Quincy McMahon (Petersen ’66), Arin Wright, Ellie Jean, Lauren Milliet; Taylor Flint, Macey Hodge (White ’78); Makenna Morris (Hase ’66), Kayla Fischer, Emma Sears (McKeen ’78); Sarah Weber (O’Kane 46′)

Misconduct Summary

Washington Spirit: Rodman (11′)
Kansas City Current: Fischer (’34)

Lead photo by Jason Taylor.