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Trinity Rodman leads Spirit to come-from-behind draw with Courage

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Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman sprints to the goal during an NWSL Challenge Cup contest at Audi Field. (Randy Litzinger/Getty Images)

The Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage played to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Audi Field Wednesday night, with the clubs splitting points in the Challenge Cup standings.

North Carolina started on the front foot, with Debinha following up on a failed clearance in the Spirit box, slotting in the finish to put the Courage up 1-0 just five minutes into the match.

The Courage added to their lead in the 26th minute, with Taylor Smith executing a well-timed run down the center of the field, splitting the Spirit backline before beating Aubrey Kingsbury to double North Carolina’s lead.

The second half marked a shift in momentum as the Spirit emerged from the break with renewed energy.

In the 58th minute, Trinity Rodman put Washington on the board, with the Spirit star bodying down a long ball into the box before roofing a shot over the Courage keeper.

Less than ten minutes later, Ashley Hatch equalized, nodding in a lofted cross from Julia Roddar to put the game at 2-2.

The even scoreline held until the final whistle, with the teams splitting points to keep the Courage atop the East Division and placing the Spirit in third.