Rodman helps Spirit close regular season with 2–0 win over Chicago

The Washington Spirit closed the regular season with a 2–0 win over Chicago Stars FC at Audi Field on Sunday, breaking a scoreless tie with a second-half own goal before Trinity Rodman added the finish that put the match out of reach.

Michelle Alozie’s own goal gave Washington the lead in the 62nd minute. Rodman doubled it in the 85th, finishing a Clara Luvanga assist with a right-footed shot from inside the penalty area. The Spirit carried that advantage through stoppage time to complete the shutout, according to ESPN’s match report.

A scoreless first half, then a breakthrough

Both goalkeepers had work to do before the break. Sandy MacIver denied Mallory Swanson in the 24th minute, and Chicago’s Alyssa Naeher stopped Ashley Hatch in the 33rd. Neither side found a goal in the opening half.

Washington made two changes for the second half, bringing on Luvanga for Hatch and Tamara Bolt for Rosemonde Kouassi. Luvanga sent an early second-half chance over the goal before the Spirit went ahead through Alozie’s own goal.

Trinity Rodman shields the ball from Chicago defender Michelle Alozie at Audi Field on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Daniel Sperling.

The one-goal margin held until the closing minutes. Naeher saved a Tara Rudd header in the 82nd minute, but Rodman scored three minutes later, placing her shot in the upper-left corner after Luvanga supplied the assist.

MacIver preserves the shutout

Chicago still forced Washington to defend the result. MacIver stopped attempts by Emma Egizii and Simone Charley in the 89th minute, then denied Charley again deep into stoppage time. She finished with four saves and no goals conceded.

Washington held 62.3 percent of possession, while Chicago finished with a 19–18 edge in total shots and an 8–6 advantage in corner kicks. The Spirit’s two second-half goals separated the teams on the scoreboard.

Leicy Santos plays the ball against Chicago at Audi Field on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Daniel Sperling.

Portland is next at Audi Field

The Spirit now turn to a home playoff match. Washington will host Portland Thorns FC in an NWSL quarterfinal on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. ET, according to the club’s playoff schedule.

The postseason uses a single-elimination format. If a playoff match is level after 90 minutes, it proceeds to two 15-minute periods of extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout.

See more photos from this game in Daniel Sperling’s full match gallery, and explore his other sports galleries.