Spirit fall 2-1 at Kansas City as all three goals come before halftime

File photo: Washington forward Trinity Rodman (2) dribbles against Boston Legacy at Audi Field on September 13, 2026. Photo: Daniel Sperling.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Washington Spirit held the ball for most of Sunday evening at CPKC Stadium and still left with nothing, falling 2-1 to the Kansas City Current in front of 18,000.

Every goal came in the first half. Kansas City scored twice before the break and Washington answered once, and neither side found the net after halftime despite the Spirit finishing with 61.3 percent of the possession.

The loss drops Washington to 16-4-9 on the season with 52 points through 29 matches. Kansas City improved to 15-5-9 and 50 points.

Possession without payoff

The numbers tilted Washington's way almost everywhere except the scoreboard. The Spirit outshot the Current 12-7, took seven corners to Kansas City's six and completed 356 of 451 passes, compared with 202 of 283 for the home side. Washington also had five accurate crosses out of 22 attempts; Kansas City had one accurate cross out of 14.

But both teams put exactly three shots on goal, and Kansas City turned its chances into two goals. Lorena made two saves for the Current. Sandy MacIver made one for the Spirit.

Trinity Rodman led all players with five shots. Esme Morgan was Washington's most active passer with 75 accurate passes, and Tara Rudd led the defense with 16 defensive interventions.

For Kansas City, Lo'eau LaBonta had two shots, Kayla Sharples completed 26 passes and Gabrielle Robinson recorded 10 defensive interventions. The Current also came out ahead in interceptions, 9-4, and clearances, 21-16.

Washington committed 14 fouls to Kansas City's 10 but was not shown a card; the Current picked up two yellows.

A record night for the home side

Kansas City midfielder Croix Bethune recorded her 11th assist of the season in the match, setting a new NWSL single-season assist record.

Where the Spirit stand

Washington remains third in the NWSL standings, three points behind San Diego Wave FC (55) and six behind league-leading Gotham FC (58). Kansas City sits fourth at 50 points, two behind the Spirit, with Angel City FC one point further back at 49. All 16 clubs have played 29 matches.

Sunday's match aired on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

See more photos from the September 13 Boston Legacy match in Daniel Sperling’s full match gallery, and explore his other sports galleries.