It was a hard fought, well played contest throughout, with lots of physical play. A close range header put the Red Stars in front just before the half. The Spirit had the league's best record (a winning one!) in games where they'd given up the first goal, so they were in no way out of it, and they dominated play in the second half, creating several chances. Trinity Rodman was a prime instigator, and hit the post on one long range scorcher. An obvious foul in the box was the occasion for Sullivan to step up and take the penalty kick, which was a poor one right at the keeper who guessed to go to her left, but Chicago's netminder let the ball roll under her past her left hand. 1-1, and after more pressure from Spirit it went to extra time.
Washington kept pressing and in the first period Rodman put in a very nice cross which Kelly O'Hara placed past the keeper into the far side netting to give Washington its first lead on the day. Washington's keeper, Bledsoe, made a few excellent saves to preserve the narrow lead, and her team won its first national championship.
Spirit was beset with problems this season, so the championship was quite unexpected, especially after the coach was fired (bullying and verbal abuse) and Washington forfeited two games for Covid protocol violations. They're a young team and there's no reason they can't aim for a repeat next season.
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