Washington Spirit shut down Racing Louisville in 1-0 win: Match report
The Spirit produced a sterling defensive effort to claim a third straight win, while Trinity Rodman scored her second goal in five days.
After a spectacular weekend win, the Washington Spirit had to show a different side on a rainy Wednesday, smothering Racing Louisville in a 1-0 win at Audi Field.
Trinity Rodman scored for the second time in five days, while the Spirit held Racing to just five shot attempts in 90 minutes. While Friday's victory over the Kansas City Current showed Washington's firepower, the midweek success was built off of a stubborn defensive effort.
After an even opening between the sides, the Spirit showed their class with a 15th-minute opener. Lucia Di Guglielmo's ball forward found Rosemonde Kouassi, who one-touched a pass to Sofia Cantore.
The attackers continued to combine down the field before Cantore squared the ball across the box for Trinity Rodman, who was ruthless in powering a right-footed shot past Jordyn Bloomer.
NWSL
A similarly flowing move between Kouassi and Cantore ripped Louisville open in the 26th minute, but Di Guglielmo's shot from 13 yards went right at Bloomer, who corraled the effort despite the wet conditions.
Racing made a rare foray forward in the 38th minute, with Quincy McMahon cutting inside of Di Guglielmo before taking a shot that soared over Sandy MacIver, but clipped the crossbar.
Washington got welcome news as Andi Sullivan came off the bench in the 64th minute, making her first appearance in a home game since Sept. 15, 2024.
Elsewhere, the Spirit had defended Racing comfortably, defusing their press and controlling the match. However, a 63rd-minute tackle from Hal Hershfelt on Katie O'Kane initially threw a scare into the crowd at Audi Field, with referee Trevor Wiseman pointing to the spot.
Replays seemed to show Hershfelt won the ball cleanly, and a minute at the VAR monitor changed Wiseman's mind, with the call being chalked off.
Claudia MartÃnez was denied a late second in stoppage time after a lovely through ball from Leicy Santos, but ultimately the Spirit didn't need to tack on a second to secure a third straight win.
The Spirit (3-3-1) complete a long week on Saturday, when they head to Florida to take on the Orlando Pride. Kickoff at Inter&Co. Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
Box score — NWSL regular season (game 7)
4/29/2026
Washington Spirit 1 (Rodman 15)
Racing Louisville 0
Lineups:
Spirit (4231): Sandy MacIver; Lucia Di Guglielmo (Paige Metayer 46), Tara Rudd (C), Esme Morgan, Kate Wiesner (Gabby Carle 46); Hal Hershfelt, Rebeca Bernal (Andi Sullivan 63); Rosemonde Kouassi (Claudia MartÃnez 80), Leicy Santos, Trinity Rodman; Sofia Cantore
Racing (4231): Jordyn Bloomer; Lauren Milliet, Ellie Jean, Arin Wright (C), Quincy McMahon (Courtney Petersen 67); Macey Hodge (Audrey McKeen 77), Taylor Flint; Emma Sears (Taylor White 77), Kayla Fischer, Makenna Morris (Ella Hase 67); Sarah Weber (Katie O'Kane 46)
Bookings:
Spirit - Rodman 11
Racing - Fischer 34
Referee: Trevor Wiseman
Weather: Drizzle, 57°
Attendance: Will add once I have it
Comments ()