Trinity Rodman’s goal ends Houston’s season, sends Courage to playoffs

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Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

The Houston Dash are out of playoff contention after falling to the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Sunday.

The Spirit’s three points in the NWSL standings clinch the club the No. 3 seed and a home quarterfinal match. The outcome also sends the North Carolina Courage through to the postseason, locking up the sixth and final playoff spot.

Washington tested Houston’s backline from the starting whistle, applying a wave of offensive pressure. The Dash, however, anchored by Jane Campbell, were able to withstand the Spirit’s attack to keep the game even at half.

Switching to a heftier defensive formation with 20 minutes left on the clock, Houston looked eager to bunker down and settle for a playoff-sealing tie.

Trinity Rodman, however, played spoiler in the game’s 76th minute, shaking her defender to put away a well-placed long ball. The lone goal sealed the game for Washington, earning the team home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

Next up: The Washington Spirit will host the North Carolina Courage at Audi Field in the quarterfinals on Nov. 7.