AIPS MEMBER
NSMA MEMBER
Story by Shawn Payne
Photos by Kenneth Kouassi
September 26, 2026 | Audi Field — Washington, D.C. | NWSL
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rainy conditions greeted supporters arriving at Audi Field on Saturday evening as the Washington Spirit prepared to host Angel City FC in a late-season NWSL matchup. With playoff positioning at stake, the contest brought together two teams looking to secure valuable points as the regular season approached its conclusion.
Despite the weather, an announced sellout crowd of 19,215 attended the match, marking the Spirit’s fourth sellout of the season. The occasion also represented a significant milestone for the club, which surpassed 200,000 in regular-season home attendance for the first time in its history.
Washington entered the evening looking to build on its 3-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC, while Angel City arrived with momentum from an unbeaten run. The visitors were seeking to strengthen their position in the playoff race, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.
The Spirit began the match with attacking intent, with Trinity Rodman providing an early threat. A header from Rodman drifted narrowly wide before Washington continued to press Angel City’s defense.
In the 22nd minute, Hal Hershfelt intercepted an Angel City pass, helping Washington earn a corner and create two shooting opportunities. Monique Ngock later tested goalkeeper Angelina Anderson with a powerful effort, but Anderson was equal to the attempt.
Rodman continued to create problems for the visitors, forcing another save in the 39th minute. Angel City’s defense remained organized, however, and neither side managed to find the breakthrough before halftime.
With the rain continuing into the second half, both teams returned to the pitch searching for the opening goal. Angel City threatened through Evelyn Shores and Gisele Thompson before Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver was called upon to make an important save.
Washington responded with attacking substitutions in the 65th minute, introducing Mélissa Bethi and Clara Luvanga. Luvanga’s appearance marked her Spirit debut and made her the first Tanzanian player in NWSL history.
Rodman nearly broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, sending an effort just wide of the top corner. Angel City responded with opportunities of its own, including an attempt from Sveindís Jónsdóttir that forced another save from MacIver.
As the match entered its closing stages, both teams continued searching for a decisive moment. Angel City introduced Maiara Niehues in the 86th minute, a substitution that would ultimately determine the outcome.
Just two minutes later, Niehues received a pass from Carina Lageyre and unleashed a strike from outside the penalty area into the top corner, giving Angel City a 1-0 lead in the 88th minute.
The goal was Niehues’ ninth of the season, establishing a new Angel City single-season scoring record.
Washington attempted to respond in the remaining minutes, but Angel City’s defense held firm to secure all three points and extend its unbeaten streak to six matches.
The defeat left the Spirit in third place in the NWSL standings with four regular-season matches remaining, while Angel City moved into fourth.
Washington will look to return to winning ways when it travels to Texas to face the Houston Dash on Sunday, October 4.
Final Score: Washington Spirit 0–1 Angel City FC
Goal Scorer: Maiara Niehues (Angel City FC), 88’ — Assist: Carina Lageyre.
Attendance: 19,215
