It took the NWSL champion Washington Spirit nearly three and a half matches to seize its first lead of 2022 — and only six minutes to triple it.
Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan and Ashley Hatch struck in quick succession, Trinity Rodman added a late goal to her two assists and the Spirit topped the Orlando Pride, 4-1, in the NWSL Challenge Cup at Audi Field.
Washington entered the match having played to three straight draws — a scoreless stalemate with Orlando and two comeback efforts — to start the preseason tournament, despite outshooting every opponent.