The Washington Spirit‘s tough early schedule has proven unforgiving, and this time it was defending NWSL champion Portland Thorns FC handing them a third straight shutout loss. Despite out-shooting Portland, the Spirit couldn’t find a goal, and a 68th minute goal from Ellie Carpenter proved the difference maker in Saturday night’s match.
“I think we’ve been built up from the back where defensively we’ve been a lot more secure and more solid and I thought our midfield was even better tonight than it was down in Carolina against a really good team. It’s just that final third, that final piece,” Spirit head coach Jim Gabarra said.