A tactical battle between the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars came down to one play, and the visitors ended up coming out on top of a 1-0 decision. In front of a sell-out crowd at the Maryland SoccerPlex, Yuki Nagasato’s 65th minute header was good enough to send the Red Stars to the top of the NWSL standings.
The Spirit, despite the absences of regular starters Mallory Pugh, Paige Nielsen, Tori Huster, and Chloe Logarzo, fielded a very aggressive lineup. Captain Andi Sullivan dropped back from her normal spot in the midfield to fill in for Nielsen at center back, while Richie Burke opted for two attacking midfielders in Rose Lavelle and Jordan DiBiasi.