On a humid evening at Audi Field, the Washington Spirit hosted the Portland Thorns in a match that carried heavy playoff implications for both sides. The Spirit, sitting comfortably near the top of the standings, looked to maintain momentum, while the Thorns came into the game needing a win to remain in postseason contention. Both teams fielded near full-strength lineups, with U.S. national team players returning to action following the international window.
The Spirit got off to a fast start, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their early energy paid off in the 27th minute when Trinity Rodman found space on the right wing and delivered a low cross that was expertly finished by Ashley Hatch. The goal electrified the home crowd and put Portland on the back foot for much of the first half, with the Thorns struggling to connect in the final third.
Portland, however, emerged from halftime with renewed urgency. Sam Coffey began dictating the tempo in midfield, and the Thorns started to find gaps in the Spirit’s backline. In the 72nd minute, Olivia Moultrie capitalized on a deflected clearance and fired a low shot into the corner to level the score. The goal shifted the momentum entirely, as Portland pushed forward looking for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the dying moments of the match. In the 89th minute, a long ball from Becky Sauerbrunn found Sophia Smith, who shrugged off a defender and slotted home a calm finish past goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. The late goal stunned the Spirit and sent the Thorns bench into celebration, knowing how critical the three points were for their postseason push.
The win moves Portland closer to a playoff berth, while Washington will rue missed chances and a lack of late-game composure. With the NWSL season entering its final stretch, both clubs now face crucial fixtures that could define their playoff fates.
