Washington Spirit left it late at Audi Field, but Trinity Rodman delivered the final word with a stoppage-time winner to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Houston Dash in Friday night’s National Women’s Soccer League fixture.

In front of 15,792 in Washington, the match was level at the break after a competitive but goalless first half. The Spirit saw more of the ball and dictated the rhythm for long stretches, finishing with 57.2 percent possession, 18 total shots and six efforts on target, while the Dash threatened more selectively with six shots and three on frame.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half. Rodman put Washington in front in the 50th minute, rewarding the home side’s growing pressure and giving the Spirit a lead that had felt increasingly deserved after their territorial control and four corner kicks to Houston’s none.

Houston stayed within touching distance and kept the fixture alive with disciplined defending, despite yellow cards for Avery Patterson in the 33rd minute and Sophie Schmidt in the 87th. Washington’s Deborah Abiodun also went into the book in the 66th minute as the contest became more combative in midfield.

Just when it looked like the Spirit would see out a narrow win, the Dash found a late response. Substitute Kate Faasse struck in the 89th minute to make it 1-1, stunning the home crowd and appearing to rescue a hard-earned point for Houston.

But the match still had one final twist. Deep into stoppage time, Rodman rose again in 90’+4′, completing her brace and restoring Washington’s advantage in unforgettable fashion. It was a ruthless final blow from the Spirit’s star attacker and a heartbreaking one for a Dash side that had come within moments of securing a draw.

The numbers underlined Washington’s edge. The Spirit produced 14 shot assists and two goal assists on the night, consistently pushing Houston back and asking more questions across the 90 minutes. The Dash battled well and made their late moment count through Faasse, but they could not withstand Rodman’s decisive intervention at the death.

The result moves Washington Spirit to 7-3-2 on the season, while Houston Dash fall to 4-2-7. On a night that seemed destined to finish level after Faasse’s late equalizer, Rodman made sure Audi Field went home celebrating instead.

Goal scorers:
Washington Spirit: Trinity Rodman (50′, 90’+4′)
Houston Dash: Kate Faasse (89′)