The Washington Spirit has been tripped up in plenty of ways during its 13-match winless skid, from defensive lapses and squandered scoring chances proving costly to player absences and fluky bounces sealing the team’s fate.
Still down seven starters because of U.S. national team call-ups, the Spirit flirted with the lead but couldn’t cash in on its flurry of opportunities. When Current substitute Cece Kizer pounced on a ricochet in the 68th minute, the goal came on Kansas City’s first shot on target. And although Spirit rookie Tinaya Alexander drew a penalty kick in second-half stoppage time, Current goalkeeper Adrianna Franch denied her spot kick to preserve the win.