The Washington Spirit couldn’t overcome an early deficit Sunday, falling 1-0 to the Orlando Pride at Audi Field. Despite the loss, joy still swept through the Southwest stadium as the team held the “Love Is Loud: Pride” Match Day celebration for fans.
“Here [at Audi Field] there is big excitement, and you can feel it when you play,” said forward Sofia Cantore. “Also, game days are like a party…I would say in general people are excited.”
Orlando scored in the third minute of the match with a thrilling counterattack. Pride midfielder Haley McCutcheon collected a low cross and fired a first-time shot past Spirit goalkeeper Sandy Maclver.
Washington had several opportunities to equalize. In the 12th minute, forwards Tamara Bolt and Cantore both had attempts that hit the post from inside the penalty area.
The Spirit continued to apply pressure before halftime. In the 40th minute, Bolt won the ball and crossed to forward Trinity Rodman for a shot attempt, but it went wide of the goal. Just before the break, defender Tara Rudd headed a Rodman pass over the crossbar.
“I think we created a lot of chances, and as we keep getting more comfortable and more reps, those chances will go in,” Rudd said. “Going forward we’re going to get as many chances as we can from the start of the game so that they can’t get themselves involved in the end.”
By halftime, the Spirit had been in control for much of the match, recording eight shots and more than 70% possession. In the end, Washington could not complete the equalizer to secure the win.
This match also marked the return of forward Ashley Hatch, who entered the match in the 73rd minute to a warm welcome from the Rowdy Audi crowd. The wholesome moment marked her first appearance for Washington in more than 15 months due to maternity leave.
Despite the home loss, Washington remains second in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) standings and will look to bounce back on Sunday, Aug. 30, when they host Bay FC at Audi Field. Sunday’s kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
“I’m very calm and positive because the team is performing well,” said Spirit head coach Adrián González. “The reality is that we are creating clear chances. Now it’s just about the finish.”
