The Washington Spirit’s ghastly winless rut had carried on for four brutal months, nine painful days and, on Saturday afternoon at Audi Field, almost the completion of seven nervy minutes of stoppage time.
Just as the streak seemed certain to continue, though, Washington’s fortunes turned on a trip, a whistle and a penalty kick by Ashley Hatch in front of a hushed crowd for a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Wave.
Seconds remained when Tara McKeown drew the foul. And after the commotion died down and Hatch converted in cool fashion in the 100th minute of a 90-minute National Women’s Soccer League match, the Spirit had ended a 16-game drought that began after winning the May 1 opener.