North Carolina Courage survived a breathless late push from Washington Spirit to claim a 4-3 National Women’s Soccer League victory at Audi Field on Saturday.
The Courage produced a ruthless opening 15 minutes to stun the home side. Ashley Sanchez put North Carolina ahead in the 2nd minute, before Evelyn Ijeh doubled the advantage in the 9th minute. Ijeh then completed her first-half brace in the 15th minute, leaving Washington with a steep 3-0 deficit at the interval.
Washington emerged with far greater urgency after the break and quickly made the contest competitive. Trinity Rodman struck in the 47th minute to give the Spirit belief, and Sofia Cantore added another in the 50th minute as the hosts seized momentum and pressed for an equaliser.
Despite Washington controlling 58.1% of possession and registering 20 shots to North Carolina’s nine, the Courage found the decisive late intervention. Rebeca Bernal scored in the 90th minute to restore a two-goal cushion and give the visitors vital breathing room.
There was still one final twist. Natalie Jacobs scored for Washington in the 90+5th minute, but the Spirit could not create another opening before full time as North Carolina held firm through nine minutes of added time.
Ijeh’s two goals set the platform for the Courage, while Sanchez, Bernal and four recorded assists underlined an efficient attacking display. Washington will take encouragement from its second-half response, particularly after Rodman and Cantore cut the margin to one, but the early defensive lapse proved too costly.
Goals: North Carolina Courage — Ashley Sanchez 2′, Evelyn Ijeh 9′, 15′, Rebeca Bernal 90′. Washington Spirit — Trinity Rodman 47′, Sofia Cantore 50′, Natalie Jacobs 90+5′.
