The Washington Spirit couldn’t recover after conceding an early goal and lost to the Orlando Pride 1-0.
Orlando struck early, taking the lead in the third minute. Following a fast break, Pride midfielder Haley McCutcheon received a low cross and finished with a one-time shot past Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.
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Washington had chances of their own throughout the match. In the 12th minute, Sofia Cantore and Tamara Bolt each had shots inside the Orlando box, but both attempts hit the post.
The Spirit continued to threaten before halftime. In the 40th minute, Bolt won possession from an Orlando defender and crossed to Trinity Rodman at the top of the box; however, Rodman’s shot went wide.
Washington nearly found the equalizer just before halftime when Rodman delivered a cross into the box, but defender Tara Rudd’s header sailed over the crossbar.
The Spirit entered halftime with eight shots and more than 70 percent possession, but still couldn’t break through.
It was also the return of Ashley Hatch, who received a warm welcome from the Audi Field crowd in the 73rd minute, marking her first home appearance for the Spirit in more than 15 months.
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Despite the loss, Washington remained in second place in the NWSL standings following the weekend.
The Spirit will look to bounce back next Sunday, August 30, against Bay FC at 12:30 p.m. at Audi Field.