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

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.

It's @Debinha7 on the scene 💥@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/QQKfMZm7du

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 30, 2022

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.

Fantastic ball from @Cars_Pickett16 👀
Clinical finish from @taylornsmith11_ 💥@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/MqiNvz7exV

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

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.

🚀 RODMAN ROCKET 🚀@trinity_rodman | @WashSpirit pic.twitter.com/YueKGfu4ND

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

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

Hatchin' up with equalizer‼️@ash_hatch33 | @WashSpirit pic.twitter.com/0dKPoBePSw

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

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.