The Washington Spirit collected three points in the NWSL standings, defeating the Orlando Pride 2-1 on Sunday night.
A flurry of late-game goals powered the Spirit past the Pride, who dictated possession for most of the game. Despite several good chances in the first half, neither team was able to convert after 45 minutes.
Marta ended the scoreless affair in the 68th minute, rifling a low shot in from deep to put the Pride out in front.
MAGIC FROM MARTA 🔟#WASvORL | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/nORHEmj8R8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 22, 2021
The Spirit equalized two minutes later when Ashley Hatch scored on a failed Orlando clearance to tie up the match.
Plans for an equalizer were quickly Hatch-ed 😎#WASvORL | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/OYFmJ5WmYD
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 22, 2021
Washington struck again in the 89th minute. Trinity Rodman found Sanchez at the top of the box, and the striker drilled the ball into the upper 90 and out of the reach of Ashlyn Harris to give the Spirit a 2-1 lead.
That score held until the final whistle, and Washington walked away with the win at home.
TAKE A BOW ASHLEY SANCHEZ 💥#WASvORL | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/Ix74RU3vcK
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 22, 2021
Next up: The Spirit will face the North Carolina Courage on Aug. 29. On the same day, the Pride will take on on Gotham FC.