Washington Spirit Women’s Soccer lost 1-0 to Orlando Pride on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Audi Field. Haley McCutcheon scored Orlando’s only goal in the third minute, assisted by Barbra Banda, but Washington remained in second place on the NWSL table after the weekend.
Orlando Scores Early Against Washington Spirit
Orlando Pride struck during a fast break in the third minute. McCutcheon received a low cross and finished with a one-time shot past Washington goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.
Washington Spirit responded with attacking pressure and created several chances in the first half. In the 12th minute, Sofia Cantore and Tamara Bolt both recorded shots in the Orlando box, with each attempt hitting the post.
Bolt created another opportunity in the 40th minute after dispossessing an Orlando defender and crossing to Trinity Rodman at the top of the box. Rodman pulled her shot wide, and she later sent a cross into the box that led to Tara Rudd heading over the bar.
Washington recorded eight shots before halftime and held more than 70% possession. The Spirit finished with 23 shots, including three on goal, while Orlando recorded 10 shots and two on goal.
Washington Spirit Presses for an Equalizer
Gift Monday replaced Bolt to begin the second half, marking Monday’s return to the side after this summer’s WAFCON tournament. Orlando threatened in the 56th minute when Banda dribbled into the Washington box and sent a shot wide.
Rodman nearly created a chance for Washington one minute later after winning a challenge in the Orlando box, but an Orlando defender blocked her shot from around the penalty spot. Paige Metayer and Claudia Martínez entered in the 61st minute for Élisabeth Tsé and Cantore, respectively.
Ashley Hatch entered in the 73rd minute and made her first home appearance for Washington Spirit in more than 15 months. Gabrielle Carle later replaced Kate Wiesner in Washington’s final substitution.
The referee indicated 11 minutes of stoppage time as Washington searched for the equalizer. In the fifth minute of added time, Hatch headed a corner kick cross that clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Monday later headed another corner toward the back post, but the attempt found the outside netting.
After nearly 102 minutes of play, the final whistle confirmed Orlando Pride’s 1-0 victory.
Washington Spirit Hosts Bay FC Next
Washington Spirit will remain at home for its next match against Bay FC. The second and final regular-season meeting between the teams is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EDT Sunday, August 30, at Audi Field.
ESPN2 will air the match.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Washington Spirit created opportunities and finished with a 23-10 advantage in shots, but McCutcheon’s early goal proved decisive. The Spirit also held more than 70% possession before halftime and tested Orlando’s defense through Cantore, Bolt, Rodman, Hatch and Monday.
Hatch’s return to Audi Field provided a notable late-match moment, and her stoppage-time header nearly produced the equalizer. Washington remains second on the NWSL table and will look to respond when Bay FC visits next Sunday.
Source: Original report
