NWSL: Late Martínez Heroics Secure Fifth Straight Victory for Washington Spirit

May 11, 2026 26 Views NWSL

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Washington Spirit equaled a club milestone on Sunday evening, grinding out a 1-0 win over Seattle Reign FC to secure their fifth consecutive regular-season victory. The breakthrough came late at Lumen Field, courtesy of newcomer Claudia Martínez, whose 84th-minute strike kept Washington within a single point of the top of the NWSL table.

The result marks a perfect start to a grueling four-match road stretch for the Spirit (7-2-1), who now boast five clean sheets on the season.

A Battle of Inches in Seattle

The first half was a tactical stalemate defined by Seattle’s possession and Washington’s defensive discipline. The Reign nearly stunned the visitors in the fourth minute when Maddie Mercado hit a deflected shot that rattled off the crossbar.

Washington struggled to find their rhythm early, though Trinity Rodman nearly created a highlight-reel opener in the 30th minute with a clever spin move and drive into the box, though her final effort sailed wide. By the time the halftime whistle blew, neither side had managed to test the opposing goalkeeper with a shot on target.

Second-Half Adjustments and Defensive Grit

Spirit manager Jonatan Giráldez looked to shift the momentum at the break, subbing on Martínez and Paige Metayer. However, it was goalkeeper Sandy MacIver who was called upon to protect the deadlock. MacIver was instrumental in the 54th and 64th minutes, denying dangerous headers from Nerilia Mondesir and Mercado to keep the score level.

The Decisive Moment

As the match seemed destined for a scoreless draw, the Spirit’s depth finally told. In the 84th minute, Andi Sullivan initiated a sequence that found Metayer and then Gabrielle Carle wide. Carle’s low, pinpoint cross sliced through the Seattle box to find Martínez, who clinicaly fired a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

The Spirit backline, led by Esme Morgan, held firm through a frantic final few minutes to secure the three points and match the franchise record for consecutive wins.