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The Washington Spirit settled for a 1-1 draw at Angel City FC on Sunday night, giving up an 85th-minute equalizer after Trinity Rodman had put them ahead.
The point returned the Spirit to second place in the NWSL table.
Rodman scored in the 65th minute, collecting a pass from defender Tara Rudd into the final third, driving into the box and lifting a shot over goalkeeper Angelina Anderson into the top netting. It was her 10th goal of the season.
Angel City answered 20 minutes later through Ally Sentnor, who struck from outside the box and found the top right corner for her first goal since joining the club.
Hatch back after 15 months
Forward Ashley Hatch entered in the 83rd minute for midfielder Andi Sullivan, her first appearance in nearly 15 months as she returns from maternity leave. Hatch is the Spirit's all-time leading scorer with 59 regular-season goals.
She nearly marked the return with a goal. Late in stoppage time, Rodman sent a sharp cross into the box to find her, but Hatch's shot went wide.
How it played out
Angel City started the stronger side, taking four shots inside the opening 15 minutes. Washington took over from there, holding 71% possession through the next stretch and creating its first real chance in the 24th minute when Rodman drove into the left side of the box and rang a shot off the post. Midfielder Hal Hershfelt forced a save five minutes later.
Angel City appeared to take the lead late in the first half through Sentnor, but a video review wiped out the goal for a handball in the buildup.
Defender Esme Morgan replaced Gabrielle Carle to start the second half, and the Spirit pushed harder, taking 78% of possession over the opening 15 minutes after the break before Rodman broke through.
Rudd had the best late chance for a winner, forcing a save from Anderson from close range in the first minute of stoppage time.
Angel City finished with 17 shots to Washington's 16, with both sides putting three on target.
Up next
The Spirit return to Audi Field to face the Orlando Pride on Sunday, Aug. 23, for the club's Love is Loud: Pride match. Kickoff is 4 p.m. on ESPN2.