Clara Luvanga scored in the 84th minute as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 3-2 Sunday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The victory was Washington’s 15th of the season and moved the Spirit nine points above the playoff line with three matches remaining.
Luvanga entered in the 66th minute and scored in her second match with the Washington Spirit. Claudia Martínez assisted the winning goal with a through ball into the box, and Luvanga finished the chance to give Washington its third lead of the match.
Washington Spirit Takes Early Lead
Washington held 66 percent possession through the opening 15 minutes. Tara Rudd opened the scoring in the 11th minute with her third goal of the season, heading in a corner kick from Esme Morgan.
The Spirit added six shots during the next 30 minutes, including three on target. Houston equalized shortly before halftime when Miljana Ivanović scored on a rebound in the 44th minute for her first career NWSL goal.
Spirit and Dash Trade Second-Half Goals
Washington regained the lead less than six minutes into the second half. Sofia Cantore finished a one-on-one opportunity in the 51st minute after receiving a ball from Trinity Rodman, scoring the 10th regular-season goal of her career.
Cantore became the third player on the current Washington Spirit roster to reach 10 regular-season career goals, following Rodman and Ashley Hatch. Houston responded in the 59th minute, when Ivanović scored her second goal of the match to tie the game again.
Washington recorded 25 shots, including eight on goal, while Houston finished with 13 shots and six on goal. Sandy MacIver made five saves for the Spirit, and Jane Campbell made four saves for the Dash.
Clara Luvanga Delivers the Decisive Goal
Houston nearly took its first lead in the 80th minute when Clarissa Larisey headed a shot off the crossbar. Four minutes later, Martínez found Luvanga entering the box, and Luvanga scored to put Washington ahead 3-2.
The source identifies Luvanga as the NWSL’s first-ever Tanzanian player. Houston put two more shots on target during the final 10 minutes, but Washington held on for the road victory.
Next Match for Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is scheduled to return to Audi Field for a meeting with Gotham FC on Saturday, October 17. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. EDT.
MSB Analysis
Washington twice answered Houston equalizers before Luvanga produced the decisive moment in the 84th minute. The result gave the Spirit its 15th win of the season and strengthened its position above the playoff line with three matches remaining.
Source: Original report
