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The Washington Spirit closed out the stretch before the NWSL's June break with a 2-1 win over Seattle Reign FC on Saturday, a third consecutive home victory in front of another sellout at Audi Field.
The result was also Washington's fifth straight win over Seattle, extending a club record in the series.
Playing its first home match in more than a month after a 16-day road trip, the Spirit took control early. About 15 minutes in, Trinity Rodman drew a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, and Leicy Santos curled it inside the right post for a 1-0 lead.
Washington kept the pressure on, with Rodman testing the Seattle goal and Rosemonde Kouassi setting up a near-miss for Sofia Cantore. But a Seattle run and a mix-up at the back led to an own goal in the 44th minute, sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
The Spirit pressed again after the break, forcing corners and chances. The go-ahead goal came late: Rodman stripped the ball from a defender and found Hal Hershfelt in the middle, and Hershfelt's shot deflected off a Seattle defender and in for her first goal of the season. The assist was Rodman's fourth of the year, tying her for the league lead.
Washington outshot Seattle 12-5 and finished the night in the top four of the league table. Goalkeeper Sandy MacIver made two saves.
After the break, the Spirit return to Audi Field to face the Houston Dash on Friday, July 3. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EDT, with the match airing on Prime.
