Rodman starts fast as Spirit rebounds with 3–0 win in Chicago
Goals from Trinity Rodman, Andi Sullivan and Tamara Bolt send Washington home with a shutout victory.
File photo: Washington forward Trinity Rodman (2) dribbles against Boston Legacy at Audi Field on September 13, 2026. This photo is from Washington’s previous home match. Photo: Daniel Sperling.
EVANSTON, Ill. | September 20, 2026
The Washington Spirit did not leave its response to last week’s defeat until late. Trinity Rodman scored in the seventh minute Sunday, giving Washington an early lead on the way to a 3–0 victory over Chicago Stars FC at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
Andi Sullivan doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 34th minute. Substitute Tamara Bolt added the third in the 85th, completing a result that restored Washington’s momentum before its return to Audi Field.
The timing marked a sharp change from the Spirit’s previous match. Against Boston Legacy on September 13, Washington remained level deep into the second half before conceding three times, starting in the 81st minute. That 3–0 home loss had followed a comeback victory in Portland, where the Spirit won for the first time.
In Chicago, Washington had a two-goal cushion before halftime. Rodman supplied the opening breakthrough, and Sullivan’s penalty meant the hosts would need more than one answer after the break.
Bolt entered for Mélissa Bethi in the 75th minute and scored ten minutes later. Her contribution gave Washington a third scorer and put the match further out of reach as the final minutes approached.
Sandy MacIver made saves in the closing stages as Washington completed the shutout.
The Spirit now returns home to face Angel City FC on Saturday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday’s win gives Washington a positive result to carry into that match after the disappointment of its last appearance at Audi Field.
See more photos from the September 13 Boston match in Daniel Sperling’s full match gallery, and explore his other sports galleries.