The Washington Spirit secured their spot in the NWSL Championship by defeating the Portland Thorns 2-0 at Audi Field on Saturday. The match marked a significant achievement for the Spirit, who are looking to avenge their loss in last year’s final.
Game Highlights
Gift Monday opened the scoring for the Spirit in the 27th minute. Rosemonde Kouassi’s impressive run down the right wing set up the goal. Monday finished with ease into an open net.
In the latter part of the game, Croix Bethune confirmed the win by capitalizing on a defensive mistake. She intercepted a loose back pass and confidently slotted the ball home.
Trinity Rodman’s Return
This victory was especially meaningful for the Spirit, celebrating the return of star forward Trinity Rodman. After missing a month due to a knee injury, Rodman came off the bench in the 90th minute. The crowd of 19,365 welcomed her back with enthusiastic cheers.
Next Steps for Washington
The Washington Spirit, seeded second in the playoffs, now prepares for the championship match. They will face the winner of the semifinal between Orlando Pride and Gotham FC, scheduled for Sunday. The final is set to take place in one week’s time.
Match and Team Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Match Attendance | 19,365 |
| Spirit’s Home Playoff Games Unbeaten Record | 6 |
| Portland’s NWSL Semifinal Appearance | 10 |
For the Washington Spirit, the upcoming championship game presents a chance to showcase their resilience and determination after a strong semifinal performance.
