Just about everything was going wrong for the Washington Spirit as the final whistle neared Saturday night — but then Casey Krueger slid into the box as Tara McKeown dribbled near the goal line. McKeown crossed the ball in to Krueger, who sent Audi Field into a frenzy when she headed it past Utah Royals keeper Mandy McGlynn.
The defenders’ connection 12 minutes into second-half stoppage time let Washington escape with a 3-3 draw and avoid a third straight home loss while playing the team that has the second-worst record in the NWSL. The Spirit went 10-1-2 at home a year ago but has just one win through five home matches this season.