Trinity Rodman needed just one chance to decide Wednesday's Washington Spirit vs Utah Royals matchup. After a rain delay, her 28th-minute finish, a close-range tap off Paige Metayer's cross, gave the Spirit a 1-0 win at America First Field.
Trinity Rodman Goal Breaks Deadlock After Weather Delay
The goal came moments after an hour-long weather delay. The Royals had controlled the tempo early, outshooting Washington 5-2 before the stoppage. However, that momentum vanished in a matter of seconds.
Utah didn't fold. The Royals outshot Washington 10-4 before halftime and piled up 34 touches in the box across the full match, but managed just four shots on target. Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver turned each one away to preserve the clean sheet.
"We had two or three very clear chances," head coach Jimmy Coenraets said. "We referred to it as a lapse of five seconds against a world-class player."
Washington Spirit vs Utah Royals Result Impacts NWSL Standings
Meanwhile, the result widened the gap in the NWSL standings.
Washington moved to a 11-3-3 record with 36 points, now six clear of third-place Utah at 9-5-3. It also marked the Royals' third loss in five matches since the Men's World Cup break.
Still, Coenraets left encouraged. Utah next hosts Portland Thorns FC on Sunday at 7 PM ET, live on NWSL+.
