The Washington Spirit beat Chicago Stars FC 3-0 in the rain in Evanston, Illinois, on Sunday, a week after a three-goal collapse at home against Boston.
Trinity Rodman scored in the seventh minute, running onto a pass from Hal Hershfelt and lifting a shot over Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. It was Rodman's 11th goal of the season and the first assist of the year for Hershfelt.
Andi Sullivan doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, after Chicago's Bea Franklin was called for a handball in the box on a corner kick. Franklin was also shown a yellow card. It was Sullivan's first regular-season goal since May 2024.
Rodman set up the third in the 85th minute, lofting a cross to substitute Tamara Bolt for a header. It was Bolt's first career NWSL goal.
Goalkeeper Sandy MacIver made five saves for her 10th shutout of the season, a club single-season record. Rodman's winner was her ninth game-winning goal contribution this year, tying the league single-season record, according to the team.
Midfielder Mélissa Bethi left with an injury in the 75th minute. The team did not give details.
Washington held nearly 60% of possession and outshot Chicago 16-11, though Chicago put five shots on target to the Spirit's four.
The win moves Washington to 14-7-4. The Spirit remain second in the league standings with five regular-season matches left. Chicago fell to 5-18-2.
Boston, which beat the Spirit a week earlier, lost 2-1 to the Houston Dash on Sunday.
The Spirit host Angel City FC on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Audi Field. The match airs on ION. Angel City (11-8-6) comes in off a 3-0 win at Utah on Sunday, after the Royals had two players ejected in the first 24 minutes.
Ryan Belmore is an Alexandria resident and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
