NWSL roundup: Leicy Santos lifts Spirt over Thorns with late goal

Field Level Media|published: Sun 8th September, 01:02 2024

NWSL: Portland Thorns FC at Washington Spirit

Sep 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates with owner Michel Kang and Washington Commanders owner Magic Johnson after scoring a goal against Portland Thorns FC during the second half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Leicy Santos' goal in second-half stoppage time gave the host Washington Spirit a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns on Saturday.

The catalyst for both goals for Washington (13-4-2, 41 points) was Trinity Rodman, who came off the bench for an injury substitution in the 20th minute. In the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, Rodman sent in a booming cross that landed at the head of Santos. The Colombian headed the ball into the net, scoring her second goal of the season.

After a scoreless first half, Rodman showed her world-class ability to score in the 60th minute with a match-tying goal. After a change of possession in the midfield, Ashley Hatch found Rodman streaking down the left wing. Rodman made a move around two defenders and shot into the left corner of the net.

Portland (8-8-3, 27 points) was the first to score, doing so early in the second half. Winger Alexa Spaanstra sent a cross into the box that went behind three Thorns teammates and to the feet of Hina Sugita, who put Portland ahead in the 49th minute.

Portland, which has now lost three matches in a row, almost went ahead late, but a shot by Izzy D'Aquila hit off the crossbar in the 88th minute. In the first half, each side had its chances, but neither could find the back of the net.

Current 1, Royals 0

Temwa Chawinga scored in the 47th minute to lift host Kansas City to a victory over Utah.

Goalkeeper Almuth Schult took care of the rest for the Current (11-3-5, 38 points), making six saves to help Kansas City snap a three-match skid.

It looked like the Royals (4-12-3, 15 points) were going to level the match late in the second half, but Schult made a save on Claudia Zornoza in the 80th minute before denying Hannah Betfort two minutes later.

Bay FC 1, Racing Louisville 0

Asisat Oshoala came through in the clutch late, scoring in the 75th minute as Bay FC blanked Louisville in San Jose, Calif.

Ary Borges had a look at the goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but her shot went too high, dropping Racing Louisville (4-8-7, 19 points) to 1-1-6 over their past eight matches.

Katelyn Rowland made one save for Bay FC (8-11-0, 24 points).

--Field Level Media

Latest