If you’ve spent any time watching the NWSL over the last couple of years, you know that some games just have "weird" written all over them. Honestly, whenever Washington Spirit vs Angel City FC shows up on the schedule, you might as well throw the tactical previews out the window. It’s a matchup that consistently defies logic, mostly because both teams seem to share a mutual obsession with high-octane transitions and late-game drama.
We saw it again in late 2025 at BMO Stadium. A 2-2 draw sounds tame on paper, right? Wrong. It was a match that had a missed-then-scored penalty by Trinity Rodman, a controversial VAR check, and an own goal that nearly broke the Spirit’s hearts. That result helped Washington extend an unbeaten streak to nine games, but the sheer chaos of those 90 minutes reminded everyone why this specific pairing is one of the most underrated watches in the league.
The 2025 Shootout at Audi Field
Let's talk about May 2025. This was the game that basically cemented this rivalry as a must-watch for neutrals. Usually, when a team goes up 2-0 early on the road, the home side folds. Angel City came into Audi Field and silenced the 13,000+ crowd with goals from Riley Tiernan and Gisele Thompson within 22 minutes. At that point, the Spirit looked goner.
Then things got strange.
Esme Morgan, primarily a defender, decided she was a striker for the night. She netted her first career NWSL goal to pull one back, and suddenly the Spirit were possessed. Gift Monday leveled it before halftime. The second half was basically a bar fight with a soccer ball. Morgan scored again in the 89th minute to make it 3-3, and you could feel the stadium shaking. But in typical Washington Spirit vs Angel City FC fashion, the story wasn't done. Eight minutes into stoppage time, Riley Tiernan bagged her second to give LA a 4-3 win. Seven goals. A brace from a center-back. A winner in the 98th minute.
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It’s just what they do.
Key Tactical Battle: Speed vs. Structure
When you break down the personnel, the friction makes sense. You have Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune on one side—players who thrive when the game is broken and messy. Bethune, especially, has been a revelation. Her ability to find pockets of space between the lines is something Angel City’s Sarah Gorden has had to work overtime to neutralize.
Angel City tends to rely on their defensive cohesion, but they get pulled apart when the Spirit go direct. Conversely, the Thompson sisters (Alyssa and Gisele) have turned the wings into a nightmare for the Spirit’s fullbacks. In that 4-3 game, the sisters combined for a goal, marking a historic NWSL moment as the first sisters to start together and then immediately impacting the scoresheet.
- Washington’s Strength: Rapid transition through Bethune and the raw gravity of Rodman.
- Angel City’s Strength: Overloading the wide areas and utilizing Katie Zelem’s service on set pieces.
- The X-Factor: The "stoppage time curse." Both teams have a statistical habit of scoring—and conceding—after the 90th minute.
Head-to-Head: A History of Close Shaves
Looking at the all-time record, there isn't much daylight between them. As of early 2026, the Spirit hold a slight edge in total wins, but the goal differential is razor-thin.
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| Year | Location | Result | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | BMO Stadium | 2-2 Draw | Bethune 71' equalizer saves Spirit streak |
| 2025 | Audi Field | 4-3 Angel City | Tiernan 90+8' game winner |
| 2024 | BMO Stadium | 2-1 Spirit | Rodman brace silences LA crowd |
| 2024 | Audi Field | 4-2 Spirit | Record 4-goal first half for Washington |
The 2024 match at Audi Field was another outlier. Washington put up four goals in the first half alone. Usually, that’s a blowout. But Angel City still managed to make it uncomfortable, forcing an own goal and clawing back to keep the pressure on until the final whistle. There is no such thing as a "safe lead" in this fixture.
Why the Spirit Struggle with the LA Press
The Spirit, under Jonatan Giráldez, have moved toward a more possession-oriented style, but Angel City’s defensive high line often baits them into long balls. Sometimes it works—like when Ashley Hatch finds space behind—but often it leads to a track meet.
Honestly, the Spirit’s midfield sometimes gets caught ball-watching when Angel City cycles the ball through players like Rocky Rodríguez or more recently, the emerging talent of Kennedy Fuller. If Washington doesn't control the tempo, they end up playing the chaotic game Angel City wants.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 NWSL season schedule expanding to 30 matches, we are going to see these two face off at least twice more in the regular season. The Spirit are looking to cement their place at the top of the table after a strong 2025, while Angel City is fighting to move out of the middle-of-the-pack territory.
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The "Pitchside Pups" night or any of the big theme nights at Audi Field usually provide the backdrop for these games, and the atmosphere in LA at BMO Stadium is arguably the loudest in the league. If you're betting on a 0-0 bore-draw, you're probably looking at the wrong two teams.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you are planning to watch or attend the next Washington Spirit vs Angel City FC match, here is how to actually enjoy it without losing your mind:
- Don't leave early. Statistical data from the last three years shows that nearly 25% of the total goals in this matchup occur after the 80th minute.
- Watch the off-ball movement of Croix Bethune. She’s the engine. When she’s quiet, Washington struggles. When she’s finding space, Angel City’s defense collapses.
- Follow the Thompson sisters. Their chemistry on the right side is the most dangerous weapon Angel City has.
- Check the injury report for center-backs. Both teams have shown they can be porous in the middle when their primary starters (like Tara McKeown or Sarah Gorden) are stretched.
Keep an eye on the official NWSL schedule for the March 13 kickoff. This matchup is usually circled in red by the league's broadcast partners for a reason—it’s guaranteed entertainment.