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

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.

ok now we can take off 🛫

see you soon, courage country! pic.twitter.com/BWVOeS71ta

— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) October 31, 2021

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 76^th 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.

A SCARY good goal 👻🎃😱#WASvHOU | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/4SN5NHbAcn

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 31, 2021

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