Leicy Santos lifts Spirt over Thorns with late goal

Field Level Media|published: Sat 7th September, 15:02 2024

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 gave the host Washington Spirit a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns on Saturday.

The catalyst for both goals for Washington's (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, Rodman sent in a booming cross that landed at the head of Santos. The Columbian 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, early in the second half. Winger Alexas Spaanstra sent a cross into the box that went behind three Thorns teammates and to the feet of Sugita Hina, who put Portland ahead in the 49th minute.

Portland, which has now lost three games in a row, almost went ahead late in the match, but a shot by Izzy D'Aquila hit off the crossbar in the 88th minute.

In the first half, each side had their chances. Sophia Smith almost put the Thorns ahead in the fourth minute. After winning possession at midfield, Smith sprinted towards the 18-yard box and tried to shoot around goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who stopped it with her left foot.

--Field Level Media

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