The No. 2 Washington Spirit is riding high, overcoming a slow start to register a fourth straight win in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over No. 12 Orlando.
Spirit forward Sofia Cantore tallied two goals in the match’s first six minutes to mark the quickest brace in league history. Later, Claudia Martinez added a second-half strike while star Trinity Rodman notched her third goal in as many games.
“I’m so proud of this team, I think they’ve done amazing,” said manager Adrian Gonzalez afterwards. “Sometimes you just need to suffer.”
Washington has now racked up nine points in eight days.
However, the Spirit still trail No. 1 Portland by four points in the NWSL standings. The Thorns recorded a fifth straight result in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chicago.
20-year-old Portland midfielder Olivia Moultrie notched a goal and an assist in her 100th club appearance, becoming the youngest player in league history to accomplish the feat.
“I can’t believe I’ve hit 100 games — it doesn’t feel like that at all,” Moultrie said. “I get to show up and do what I love every day and it doesn’t feel like a chore.”
How to Watch the Washington Spirit in NWSL Matchday 9
Washington returns on May 10th, kicking off against Seattle at 7 PM ET on Victory+.