Draw by Brazilian Ludmila against Washington Spirit ends series at 1-1 in NWSL
Chicago Stars and Washington Spirit Draw in NWSL Clash
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) saw an exciting draw between the Chicago Stars and the Washington Spirit on Sunday, with both teams demonstrating resilience and determination.
The match, which ended 1-1, marked the first game for interim coach Anders Jacobson with the Chicago Stars. The Spirit, currently in second place in the league standings, were led by Italian international Sofia Cantore, who scored in the 57th minute to give them the lead.
However, about 10 minutes later, the equalizer came from the boots of Brazilian Ludmila for the Stars, making it her ninth goal this season. This draw moved the Chicago Stars out of last place in the league standings, ahead of the Utah Royals.
Despite the draw, it was a significant improvement for the Stars, who have been undefeated in their last five matches. However, it's important to note that all these matches have ended in ties, and the team is still without a win this season.
The absence of regular head coach Anders Jacobson for the match was due to unspecified reasons, with the position set to change to Martin Sjögren in 2026. The team's veteran midfielder, Shea Groom, has also been sidelined due to a lower leg injury, an injury that has affected the Stars' roster for the remainder of the season.
The Washington Spirit, who are undefeated in six straight matches, are currently in a strong position in the league standings. The Chicago Stars, despite their winless record, are still ahead of the Utah Royals in the standings, showcasing the competitive nature of the NWSL.
The draw was a thrilling encounter between two talented teams, and both will be eager to secure a win in their next matches. The NWSL continues to provide exciting football, and fans can look forward to more action-packed games in the coming weeks.
