Winless since May 1 and down seven starters because of U.S. national team commitments, the Washington Spirit hoped its depth could turn its fortunes Sunday against the similarly shorthanded San Diego Wave.
Many of the faces changed after a two-week hiatus, but the letdown was familiar. With a 2-1 loss at Torero Stadium, visiting Washington stretched its winless skid to 12 matches in all competitions and dropped to 0-3-2 over its past five.
Makenzy Doniak and Belle Briede struck late in the first half for the expansion Wave (6-2-3), which surged to the top of the National Women’s Soccer League standings.