The Washington Spirit secured a 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns on Saturday to book their place in the National Women's Soccer League championship game. Goals from Gift Monday and Croix Bethune at Audi Field in Washington DC ensured the Spirit will contest their second consecutive NWSL final, and fourth overall, next weekend in San Jose, California.
The opening goal came in the 27th minute from a swift counter-attack. Rosemounde Kouassi sprinted 80 yards after a Thorns corner and laid the ball off for Monday to tap in from close range. It was the sixth time this season the pair had combined for a goal, and the second consecutive playoff game they have done so.
Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made six saves to keep her side in contention, including two athletic stops in quick succession in the 56th and 57th minutes. Sofia Cantore almost doubled the lead for Washington in the 69th minute but hit the post. Bethune sealed the win in the 83rd minute, breaking free in space, taking a touch past the onrushing Arnold and slotting into an empty net.
US women's national team forward Trinity Rodman made her return from a knee injury as a substitute in the 90th minute, replacing Cantore. She almost scored in stoppage time but saw her low strike go just wide. Rodman's appearance came amid ongoing uncertainty about her future; she is out of contract next month and has been considering significantly higher offers from European clubs, according to ESPN.
NWSL teams operate under a $3.5 million salary cap, limiting what the Spirit can offer. Rodman's representatives have reportedly spoken with NWSL leadership about possible exceptions to retain marquee players, but any changes require approval from team owners and are not considered imminent. Saturday may have been Rodman's final home appearance for the Spirit unless an agreement is reached.
The semi-final was played in front of a sell-out crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field, the fourth consecutive playoff game the Spirit have sold out. Washington will face the winner of Sunday's semi-final between Gotham FC and Orlando Pride.
