As an off-field saga unfolded over more than two anguish-filled months — a power struggle among owners, a coaching departure amid verbal abuse accusations and a seemingly endless flow of dark revelations — the Washington Spirit found sanctuary on the pitch.
There, for 90 minutes once or twice per week at two separate home venues and various road stops, the players have set aside distraction and engaged in a successful campaign to not only earn a National Women’s Soccer League playoff berth but, thanks to a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash on Sunday afternoon at Audi Field, a first-round home game.