Trinity Rodman scored a late goal to lift the Washington Spirit past Chicago Stars FC 2-0 on Decision Day Sunday at Audi Field, clinching a home quarterfinal berth in next weekend's NWSL Playoffs.
Trinity Rodman Scores Late to Secure Spirit's NWSL Standings Spot
The Spirit had the run of play early. Ashley Hatch forced a tough save from keeper Alyssa Naeher while Rodman looked dangerous on the wing. Despite that pressure, both teams were level at halftime. After the break, though, the Spirit found the back of the net when defender Lucia Di Guglielmo caused chaos that led to an own goal in the 62nd minute.
Rodman then doubled the lead in the 85th minute, converting a cross from substitute Clara Luvanga with a first-time finish for her 12th goal of the year. Behind them, goalkeeper Sandy MacIver anchored the back line as the Spirit posted its 12th clean sheet, weathering a tense 10 minutes of stoppage time to do it.
With the win, Washington wrapped up the No. 3 seed in the NWSL standings and a home quarterfinal for the third straight season.
Up next, Washington hosts the Portland Thorns in a quarterfinal meeting on November 8th at 3 PM ET on ABC.
