The Washington Spirit had found its footing in the second half Sunday night. After permitting two first-half goals to the Chicago Red Stars, the Spirit controlled possession and then got on the board.
But Washington’s momentum halted with the official’s whistle. Spirit defender Sam Staab was called for a handball in the box, setting up Red Stars midfielder Morgan Gautrat’s penalty kick, which she struck into the top left corner in the 80th minute.
That sequence sunk the Spirit’s chances and left it with a 3-1 loss at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill. Washington hasn’t been able to figure out the Red Stars this season, going 0-2-1 in three meetings.