The Washington Spirit is headed to its third consecutive NWSL Championship after defeating Utah Royals FC, 2-1, on Saturday, November 14, in front of a sold-out crowd at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
The victory sends the Spirit to the championship match on Saturday, November 21, at 8pm, which will also take place at Audi Field. Washington will face the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current.
Utah struck first, scoring directly from a corner kick in the opening minutes of the match. The Spirit responded when Trinity Rodman delivered a cross to Sofia Cantore, who redirected the ball into the net with a backheel finish to tie the game at 1-1. The goal was Cantore’s seventh across the regular season and playoffs, while Rodman recorded her tenth assist.
With the match tied entering the second half, Washington capitalized on a defensive mistake by Utah. A misplaced back pass intended for goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn was intercepted by Clara Luvanga, who lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to give the Spirit a 2-1 lead. It was Luvanga’s fourth goal of the year and her fourth consecutive match with a goal contribution.
Washington maintained its advantage throughout the remainder of the match, with goalkeeper Sandy MacIver making a key save in the 78th minute. The Spirit finished with 19 shots, including six on goal, compared to Utah’s 10 shots and four on target.
Saturday’s match marked the Spirit’s sixth consecutive playoff sellout and third straight home semifinal at Audi Field. The Spirit will now have an opportunity to compete for the NWSL title in front of its home crowd when Audi Field hosts the championship match on November 21.
