Spirit beat Chicago 2-0 at Audi Field behind Rodman goal and an own goal

Washington Spirit beat Chicago Stars FC 2-0 Sunday at Audi Field, a win that needed some patience but never really felt in doubt once the goals came.

The Spirit were in control for much of the match without much to show for it. Then the 62nd minute arrived. Michelle Alozie, playing for Chicago, put the ball into her own net and handed Washington the lead. Accidental. Costly.

That was enough breathing room. The Spirit settled in and saw the clock run. Then, with five minutes left, Trinity Rodman made sure there was nothing to argue about.

Rodman picked up a pass from Clara Luvanga, stepped into the centre of the box, and buried a right-footed shot into the top left corner. Washington 2, Chicago 0. Game over.

Rodman led the Spirit with five total shots on the afternoon. She was the most persistent threat going forward, and when Luvanga found her late, she did not waste it.

Behind her, Esme Morgan was steady in possession. Morgan completed 71 accurate passes, the best mark on the Washington side, keeping the ball moving and giving Chicago very little to chase.

Defensively, Tara Rudd was the busiest Spirit player. She finished with 11 defensive interventions, doing the unglamorous work that kept the Stars from finding any real rhythm in attack. Chicago's Simone Charley took five shots, same total as Rodman, but none of them found the net. Nádia Gomes led Chicago with 16 defensive interventions, a number that tells you how much pressure Washington applied without always turning it into chances.

Chicago came in at 5-2-22. A long, difficult season. Washington, now 16-4-9, is in very different territory.

Rodman's shot, top left corner, off a Luvanga feed, in the 85th minute.