Boston Legacy FC produced a ruthless late flourish at Audi Field on Sunday, defeating Washington Spirit 3-0 in the National Women’s Soccer League. After a tightly contested, scoreless first half, Boston found another gear in the final 10 minutes and turned an even match into an emphatic road victory.

Washington and Boston were separated by little for much of the afternoon. The Spirit held 49.8% possession to Boston’s 50.2%, while the visitors carried the greater attacking threat with 13 shots and six on target, compared with Washington’s eight attempts and three on target.

The breakthrough arrived in the 81st minute. Aïssata Traoré gave Boston Legacy FC the lead with a decisive finish, finally punishing a Washington side that had kept the fixture level through 80 tense minutes.

With the Spirit pushing for an equaliser, Boston capitalised in stoppage time. Substitute Amanda Gutierres struck in the 90+4th minute to make it 2-0, before adding her second goal just two minutes later in the 90+6th minute. The rapid double put an exclamation point on an outstanding closing spell from the visitors.

The first half had featured plenty of edge but no goals. Boston’s Jorelyn Carabalí was booked in the 20th minute, while Washington’s Hal Hershfelt and Monique Ngock received yellow cards in the 39th and 43rd minutes respectively. Nicki Hernández was cautioned for Boston in first-half stoppage time, and Spirit substitute Claudia Martínez saw yellow in the 76th minute.

Boston’s five corners and 10 shot assists reflected their increasing control in the attacking third, particularly once Traoré’s opener changed the complexion of the match. Washington could not turn their possession into a breakthrough and were left exposed by Boston’s sharp transition play late on.

The Spirit will look to respond when they host Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, September 20. Boston Legacy FC, buoyed by a statement away result, return home to face the Houston Dash on the same day.

Goals

  • Boston Legacy FC: Aïssata Traoré, 81′
  • Boston Legacy FC: Amanda Gutierres, 90+4′
  • Boston Legacy FC: Amanda Gutierres, 90+6′