Since the National Women’s Soccer League launched in 2013, the Washington Spirit has largely existed in the suburbs, headquartered in Montgomery County, getting a taste of Loudoun County last year and occasionally performing in D.C.
But the Spirit owns greater ambitions, and for a 1-0 victory over expansion Racing Louisville on Thursday at gusty Audi Field, the team made the first of what’s expected to be many appearances in the city this year and beyond.
Washington provided the drama, getting a goal from Ashley Sanchez, assisted by rookie Trinity Rodman, in second-half stoppage time to improve its Challenge Cup record to 1-1-0.