Lavelle dazzled but the Spirit prevailed, taking advantage of Rapinoe’s own goal in the 52nd minute and claiming a 1-0 victory at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wash., for its second triumph in five days.
The sting of the trade seemed to have faded as Lavelle joked with former teammates and hugged Spirit Coach Richie Burke.
“I cannot see Rose Lavelle without a big smile on my face,” Burke said. “I was a little bit worried before the game that if she scored, I might celebrate it, too.”
In 64 minutes, Lavelle danced and twirled between defenders and embarked on swift runs out of the midfield.