The Washington Spirit entered Sunday looking for a response after going nearly a month without a win. One opportunistic finish from Paige Metayer and a strong afternoon from goalkeeper Sandy MacIver proved enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paige Metayer scored in first-half stoppage time as Washington held off Bay FC for a 1-0 victory in front of 16,817 fans at Audi Field. The win snapped the Spirit\u2019s four-match winless streak and kept Washington in second place in the NWSL standings heading into September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The game-winning sequence began with Sofia Cantore finding Trinity Rodman on the left side<\/a>. Rodman drove into the penalty area and sent a shot off the crossbar. Paige Metayer continued her run toward goal and knocked home the rebound in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, giving Washington the advantage just before halftime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was Metayer\u2019s persistence that ultimately separated the teams on an afternoon when Bay FC created its share of opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bay FC finished with a 19-16 advantage in total shots, while each side put four attempts on target. The visitors also held a slight edge in possession, but goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and the Spirit defense kept Bay FC off the scoreboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MacIver was tested throughout the match. Karlie Lema hit the post late in the first half, and MacIver made several important stops after the break as Bay FC pushed for an equalizer. She finished with four saves to secure the clean sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Washington also had to navigate injuries and lineup changes. Ashley Hatch exited shortly before halftime after going down near the Bay FC penalty area. M\u00e9lissa Bethi replaced her and made her NWSL debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kate Wiesner later left the match early in the second half and was replaced by Tamara Bolt. Monique Ngock also made her NWSL debut when she entered for Andi Sullivan in the 68th minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With only a one-goal cushion, Washington spent much of the second half protecting its advantage. Bay FC continued to threaten, but the Spirit remained organized defensively and managed the closing stages well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rodman contributed on both ends. In addition to creating the sequence that led to Metayer\u2019s goal, she made a key defensive play late in regulation before helping Washington run time off the clock in the attacking third during seven minutes of stoppage time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The result gave the Spirit its first league victory in a month and provided an important reset after a difficult stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Washington now turns its attention to another road test. The Spirit will face Portland Thorns FC on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. ET in its final West Coast trip of the regular season. The match will air on CBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch Laila Roger\u2019s report from Audi Field for more on the Spirit\u2019s 1-0 win over Bay FC via Double Take Sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n