Match: August 23, 2026, Audi Field, Washington, D.C. Final: Orlando Pride 1, Washington Spirit 0.
The Washington Spirit came up short against the Orlando Pride on Sunday evening, falling 0-1 at Audi Field while maintaining second place in the NWSL standings.
Orlando wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Haley McCutcheon put the Pride ahead in the third minute, finishing a low cross after a quick Orlando attack.
The early deficit didn’t stop Washington from creating opportunities. Sofia Cantore and Tamara Bolt both struck the post during a dangerous sequence in the 12th minute. Later in the half, Bolt won possession and found Trinity Rodman near the top of the box, but Rodman’s attempt went wide.
Washington entered halftime trailing despite producing eight shots and controlling more than 70% of possession.
The Spirit continued searching for an equalizer after the break. Gift Monday returned to the lineup following WAFCON, and Washington later brought on Paige Metayer and Claudia Martínez as the attack continued to press Orlando.
The Audi Field crowd welcomed Ashley Hatch back in the 73rd minute for her first home appearance in more than 15 months.
Washington had two of its best late opportunities during 11 minutes of stoppage time. Hatch connected on a corner but sent her header off the top of the crossbar. Monday later found space for another header, only to put it into the outside netting.
Those missed opportunities allowed Orlando’s third-minute goal to stand as the difference in the 1-0 result.
The Spirit remain second in the NWSL table despite the loss and will now turn their attention toward their next match.
Coverage: Bernie Beale, RiseUp Women’s Sports.
Match source: Orlando Pride official match report.
