**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – The Washington Spirit defeated defending NWSL Shield winners OL Reign, 1-0, in front of their faithful fans at Audi Field to mark an impressive start to the season. The hosts, who were statistically fairly even with the Reign, separated themselves thanks to a 54 ^th minute goal from forward Trinity Rodman and held out their slender lead to earn a big three points in front of Spirit season opener record crowd of over 11,000 fans.
The thick of the action began in the 33 ^rd minute when Washington advanced into OL Reign territory through a mazy run by Trinity Rodman. Sunday’s goalscorer did well to weave through the Reign defense and hold possession amid a collapsing set of challenges. Squeezing the ball forward to a teammate, it was eventually clipped over the top of the defense for forward Ashley Hatch to run onto. However, Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce came out to smother the opportunity and end a good attacking move.
Then, just four minutes later, the Spirit were at it again as they turned possession into a chance from out wide. As the ball was worked over to the left-hand side of the field, defender Gabrielle Carle clipped another cross into the box toward Hatch. Latching onto the pass, Hatch did well to get power behind the effort but could only watch as it looped wide of Tullis-Joyce’s net, though the hosts continued to pile pressure.
However, just before the end of the half, OL Reign nearly opened the scoring between the two sides after a well-worked attacking move forced Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury into a save on the line. Attacker Tziarra King, who has always displayed great footwork, worked the ball forward on the left before cutting back at the top of the box and curling in an aerial through ball toward a pair of teammates. Ultimately it was forward Bethany Balcer who got her head on it, but she was unable to get enough to push it past Kingsbury who was able to collect with both hands.
At the break, though Washington created the better chances, neither side were able to boast a goal, and all remained scoreless into the break.
The second half resumed and the first quality look on goal for either team came as Rodman opened the scoring through a long-distance effort with her left foot. Charging ahead once more, the talented attacker received a pass on the right side of the field and cut inside where she had found space multiple times throughout the evening already. With no one stepping to the confront, Rodman opted to put her boot behind an effort from around 22 yards out. A low, steaming drive, the ball ripped through the air and rippled the net as it sailed past Tullis-Joyce and sent Audi Field into a frenzy.
The Reign worked their way back into the match, though, and created a couple of great looks in front of goal. In the 69 ^th minute, a fabulous team passing move saw defender Emily Sonnett slip a pass for teammate Jess Fishlock into the penalty area. Fishlock then played a square pass across goal that Kingsbury did brilliantly to get a touch to, but the flag had gone up for offside meaning any potential goal would have been chocked off pending VAR review. Then, four minutes later, the Reign opened up the Spirit defense again with a great move that saw forward Jordyn Huitema on the ball in front of goal. After receiving the pass some 15 yards out and in a central position, Huitema opted to try and round Kingsbury only for the netminder to leap off her line and smother a great opportunity.
With Washington continuing to keep OL Reign at bay, after seven added minutes the full time whistle sounded, and the Spirit celebrated keeping all three points at home after a hard fought performance against a talented Reign side. The hosts were bolstered by the play of Kingsbury especially, who came up time and time again to help secure a second consecutive home opener win over the Seattle-based side. In addition, Kingsbury earned her 100th appearance to cap off a great performance.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights