Smith scored late, but the Legacy couldn’t erase a two-goal first-half deficit.
The Boston Legacy’s three-match unbeaten streak came to an end Sunday night after falling 2-1 to the Washington Spirit at Centreville Bank Stadium.
Washington built a two-goal advantage in the first half, with Tara Rudd opening the scoring in the 25th minute before Trinity Rodman doubled the lead six minutes later.
Boston created several scoring opportunities throughout the match, including first-half chances from Bianca St-Georges and Aïssata Traoré. After halftime, Traoré and substitute Sammy Smith each tested Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver as the Legacy searched for a breakthrough.
Smith provided that spark in the 87th minute, beating the Washington back line to a long ball before finishing to cut the deficit to 2-1. Boston pushed forward during stoppage time, including a late effort from Annie Karich, but the Spirit held on to secure the victory.
Despite the loss, the Legacy finished with an 11-7 advantage in shots. Boston will look to bounce back on Saturday, July 25, when it hosts the Kansas City Current.