Washington Spirit Soccer Defeats Portland Thorns FC 4-1 Behind Trinity Rodman’s Record-Tying Two Goals in an NWSL quarterfinal at Audi Field on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Rodman scored twice and assisted on Mélissa Bethi’s sixth-minute goal as Washington Spirit scored three times before halftime and secured the biggest playoff victory in club history.
Washington Spirit Builds Early Lead
Mélissa Bethi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with an assist from Trinity Rodman. Bethi’s goal was the fastest in Washington Spirit club playoff history.
Clara Luvanga doubled the lead in the 34th minute after Washington Spirit capitalized on a Portland turnover. Less than two minutes later, Luvanga assisted Rodman’s first goal, giving the Spirit a 3-0 advantage.
Washington Spirit carried that lead into halftime after scoring three goals in the opening half. The total tied the league record for goals in one half of a playoff game.
Trinity Rodman Completes Two-Goal Performance
Portland Thorns FC cut into the deficit in the 51st minute when Pietra Tordin scored with an assist from Jessie Fleming. Sandy MacIver made six saves for Washington Spirit, including a diving stop during a Portland attack shortly afterward.
Rodman restored the three-goal lead in the 58th minute with an assist from Luvanga. Her two goals tied the league record for goals by a single player in a playoff game.
Rodman and Luvanga became the first two players in league history to record three total goal contributions in a playoff game. Rodman finished with two goals and an assist, while Luvanga recorded one goal and two assists.
Washington Spirit Advances to Semifinal
Ashley Hatch replaced Luvanga in the 67th minute, while Rosemonde Kouassi entered for Sofia Cantore one minute later. Washington Spirit later brought on Monique Ngock for Bethi, Claudia Martínez for Leicy Santos and Paige Metayer for Lucia Di Guglielmo.
Washington Spirit kept Portland Thorns FC from scoring again and finished with the biggest margin of victory in a playoff match in club history. Washington recorded 16 shots and five shots on goal, while Portland had 11 shots and seven shots on goal. Mackenzie Arnold made one save for Portland.
Next Up
Washington Spirit will host Utah Royals FC in the NWSL playoff semifinal round on Saturday, November 14, at 12 p.m. EST at Audi Field. The match follows Washington’s quarterfinal victory over Portland Thorns FC.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Washington Spirit created separation with three first-half goals and maintained its advantage after Portland Thorns FC scored early in the second half. Rodman’s three goal contributions and Luvanga’s matching total led the attack, while MacIver’s six saves helped Washington protect the lead.
Source: Original report
