Washington Spirit Advances to NWSL Championship

The Washington Spirit defeated defending champions NJ/NY Gotham FC in a thrilling NWSL semifinal match that ended in a penalty shootout, advancing to the championship game for the first time since their 2021 title. Gotham's hopes for a consecutive championship were dashed when Hal Hershfelt scored the equalizer in stoppage time, forcing the game into penalties after a 1-1 draw. Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made three crucial saves during the shootout, securing a 3-0 advantage for Washington. The match was highly competitive, marked by aggressive play that resulted in a total of 42 fouls. With this victory, the Spirit will compete in the NWSL Championship against the winner of the Orlando Pride-Kansas City Current match, aiming for their second league title. Washington's remarkable comeback season follows last year's postseason miss, showcasing the team's resilience despite significant injuries to key players.