Spirit wins as NWSL is first pro team sport to return amid virus

Rose Lavelle and Ashley Hatch each scored to give the Washington Spirit a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup on Saturday night.

The NWSL became the first professional team sport in the United States to return amid coronavirus earlier in the day when the North Carolina Courage defeated the Portland Thorns 2-1 at Zions Bank Stadium. The Challenge Cup is being played without fans in attendance.

Most players knelt during the national anthem to protest racial inequity and there was an emotional moment when Julie Ertz put her arm around teammate Casey Short. All of the players also knelt for a moment of silence before kickoff.

Lavelle, who scored for the United States in the World Cup final last summer in France, blasted a rebound goal in the eighth minute to give the Spirit the early lead.

Hatch added a second goal just seconds into the second half, challenging Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher then breaking free for the goal.

“We’ve been training hard in D.C. and we were all kind of itching to get back to playing a game. For some people they haven’t played since the end of last season. So we were definitely really excited and it was great to be back on there,” Lavelle said.

Morgan Gautrat, known previously by her maiden name Brian, pulled a goal back for the Red Stars in the 51st minute.

The eight teams taking part in the Challenge Cup are sequestered in Utah for the duration of the monthlong tournament and must follow a strict protocol that includes frequent testing.

RICK BOWMER PHOTOS / AP Chicago Red Stars’ Julie Ertz (second from left) holds Casey Short (center) while other players for the team kneel during the national anthem before an NWSL Challenge Cup match against the Washington Spirit Saturday in Herriman, Utah.

Washington Spirit midfielder Rose Lavelle (left) defends against Chicago Red Stars’ Rachel Hill (right) during the second half of their match Saturday in Herriman, Utah. Lavelle scored a goal as the Spirit won, 2-1.