Spirit Shut Out By Orlando Pride In 1-0 Defeat

Spirit forward Rosemonde Kouassi looks to make a play past Orlando Pride goalkeeper in the team’s 1-0 loss at Audi Field. (Marcus Relacion/Winsports)

The Washington Spirit fell 1-0 to the Orlando Pride at Audi Field on Sunday. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, the Spirit couldn't find an equalizer after conceding early, falling short in their comeback attempt.

Orlando opened the scoring effect in the third minute after a thrilling counterattack. Pride midfielder Haley McCutcheon finished a low cross from inside the box with a first-time shot past Spirit goalkeeper Sandy Maclver, giving Orlando an early lead.

Washington responded by pushing forward in attack. Forwards Tamara Bolt and Sofia Cantore each had shots from inside the Orlando box, but both hit the post.

The Spirit continued to put the pressure on Orlando before halftime. In the 40th minute, Bolt won the ball from an Orlando defender and crossed to forward Trinity Rodman, whose shot went wide. Rodman sent another cross into the box but, defender Tara Rudd's header sailed over the crossbar, sending the Spirit into halftime trailing 1-0.

Washington remained in control for much of the match, recording eight shots and more than 70% possession despite being down by the break.

Entering the second half, the Spirit made some changes at the attack, subbing in Gift Monday for Bolt. This marked Monday's first appearance back into the lineup since representing Nigeria at this summer's WAFCON tournament.

In the 56th minute, Orlando nearly doubled their lead when forward Barbra Banda dribbled into the Spirit box and fired a shot in just wide of the goal. Washington responded back after that score attempt when Rodman fired a shot near the penalty spot, but it was blocked by a Pride defender.

More substitutions were made by the Spirit in the 60th minute, bringing in Claudia Martinez in for Cantore and Paige Metayer for Elisabeth Tse.

Ashely Hatch entered the match in the 73rd minute to a warm welcome from the Rowdy Audi crowd. This marked Hatch's first appearance for Washington in more than 15 months on maternity leave.

The Spirit made their final substitution with defender Gabrielle Carle coming in for Kate Wiesner.

Washington continued their push for an equalizer as the referees added 11 minutes of stoppage time. Hatch even headed a corner in attempt to make it a close game in the fifth minute of added time, but the ball clipped the top of the crossbar.

Just moments after Hatch's attempt, Monday took her chance from the corner, but her header went wide and into the outside netting.

The final whistle blew with nearly 102 minutes play action, confirming Orlando's 1-0 victory over the Spirit and earning of all three points.

Despite the home loss, Washington remains No. 2 in the NWSL standings and will look to bounce back at home on Sunday Aug. 30 against Bay FC.