The Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride delivered a classic NWSL match on Sunday evening at Audi Field with Marta scoring a memorable goal for the visitors before Ashley Sanchez’s spectacular game-winner in the 89th minute.
The first half finished scoreless, but Washington’s Trinity Rodman was twice denied by the woodwork while Orlando’s Sydney Leroux was kept out following a sensational double-save by Aubrey Bledsoe.
But there was no keeping out Marta’s opener in the 68th minute, which was smashed off the inside of the far post from distance.
MAGIC FROM MARTA #WASvORL | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/nORHEmj8R8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 22, 2021
However, the Spirit equalized just two minutes later through Ashley Hatch, setting the stage for Sanchez’s incredible winner at the death. Rodman gets the assist.
TAKE A BOW ASHLEY SANCHEZ #WASvORL | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/Ix74RU3vcK
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 22, 2021
Sanchez, the No. 4 overall selection of the 2020 draft, now has five goals in 15 games. The 22-year-old hasn’t represented the senior USWNT yet, but this goal should get Vlatko Andonovski’s attention.
