Washington Spirit delivered an authoritative away performance on Sunday, sweeping past Chicago Stars FC 3-0 at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
Trinity Rodman set the tone almost immediately, firing Washington ahead in the seventh minute. The early goal gave the Spirit control of the fixture and forced Chicago to chase against a side that was sharp in possession and dangerous when moving forward.
Chicago had opportunities to find a route back, registering five shots on target from 11 attempts, but Washington remained composed through the middle of the pitch. The visitors held 59 percent possession, produced 16 shots and created a more sustained attacking threat across the 90 minutes.
The Spirit doubled their advantage in the 34th minute after Chicago’s Bea Franklin was shown a yellow card a minute earlier. Andi Sullivan stepped up from the penalty spot and converted, giving Washington a 2-0 half-time lead.
Chicago pushed for a response after the interval, but Washington’s defensive structure held firm. The visitors then put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute, when Tamara Bolt headed home to complete the 3-0 victory.
Rodman’s early strike, Sullivan’s composed penalty and Bolt’s late header capped a clinical afternoon for Washington, who also earned four corners and recorded 11 shot assists. Chicago won three corners but could not turn their pressure into a goal.
Chicago Stars FC return to action on Friday, September 25, against Gotham FC. Washington Spirit next face Angel City FC on Saturday, September 26.
