The Washington Spirit earned its first-ever win in Portland on Sunday, September 6, rallying from a halftime deficit to defeat Portland Thorns FC 2-1 at Providence Park.
Tara Rudd scored the equalizer before Mélissa Bethi delivered the winner in the 80th minute. The victory also marked head coach Adrián González’s 28th regular-season win with Washington, making him the winningest coach in Spirit history.
Portland took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute when Sophia Wilson converted a penalty kick. Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver helped keep Washington within reach with several key saves, including two stops in quick succession later in the first half.
After Portland threatened again early in the second half, Washington drew a foul in the box in the 56th minute. Rudd converted the ensuing penalty to tie the match.
Bethi put Washington ahead in the 80th minute during her first career NWSL start. After receiving a pass from Paige Metayer on the wing, Trinity Rodman sent a cross into the center of the box, where Bethi finished for her first Spirit goal.
Washington held on through 10 minutes of stoppage time, with MacIver making two more late saves. Midfielder Andi Sullivan, who entered in the 73rd minute, was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
The Spirit returns to Audi Field on Sunday, September 13, to host expansion club Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm, and the match will air on ESPN.
