Leicy Santos leads Spirt to victory over Thorns with late goal

(Image credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images)

Leicy Santos' goal in second-half stoppage time gave hosts Washington Spirit a 2-1 win over Portland Thorns on Saturday.

Trinity Rodman, who was substituted in the 20th minute due to injury, was responsible for both of Washington's goals (13-4-2, 41 points). In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Rodman sent a powerful cross that landed at Santos' feet. The Colombian headed the ball into the net, scoring her second goal of the season.

After a scoreless first half, Rodman showed off her world-class skills in the 60th minute to score the equalizer. After a turnover in midfield, Ashley Hatch found Rodman, who was charging down the left wing. Rodman dribbled around two defenders and fired into the left corner of the net.

Portland (8-8-3, 27 points) scored first early in the second half. Winger Alexas Spaanstra sent a cross into the box that went behind three Thorns teammates and found its way to the feet of Sugita Hina, who put Portland ahead in the 49th minute.

Portland, which has now lost three games in a row, nearly took the lead late in the game, but Izzy D'Aquila's shot hit the crossbar in the 88th minute.

Both sides had their chances in the first half, with Sophia Smith nearly putting the Thorns ahead in the fourth minute. After winning possession in midfield, Smith sprinted towards the box and attempted to beat goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who parried the ball with her left foot.

–Field level media