The Washington Spirit played again without two of its best players in midfielder Andi Sullivan and defender Kelley O’Hara, but the reigning National Women’s Soccer league champions resembled their usual attacking self and rallied to earn a 1-1 road draw with the Portland Thorns.
In the 57th minute, the Thorns (1-0-2) scored on their fourth shot of the game — and their first on goal — when Sophia Smith created just enough separation from Spirit defender Sam Staab before threading a clinical finish past goalie Aubrey Kingsbury just inside the far post.
Without Sullivan (calf) and O’Hara (hamstring) and staring at a deficit, Washington (1-1-1) faced the prospect of a second straight loss while battling a Portland side that began the year with two clean sheets.