HERRIMAN, Utah (AP) — Sam Staab’s header in the 77th minute pulled the Washington Spirit into a 1-1 draw with the Portland Thorns on Sunday night in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup tournament.
Lindsey Horan’s diving header off a free kick from Meghan Klingenberg put the Thorns up 1-0 in the 69th minute. Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe got a hand on the ball but it bounced into the goal off the crossbar.
Staab scored for the Spirit on a back-heel volley from teammate Ashley Sanchez to tie the game up.
Horan nearly gave the Thorns the win in the 88th minute but Bledsoe dove to deflect the shot.