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Spirit Defeat Thorns 2-0 to Reach Second Straight NWSL Final

Powered by a sellout at Audi Field, Washington booked a Nov. 22 title date in San Jose.

Overview

  • Gift Monday finished a lightning counter off a Thorns corner in the 27th minute before Croix Bethune iced the match with an 83rd-minute breakaway.
  • U.S. forward Trinity Rodman returned from a knee sprain as a 90th-minute substitute and narrowly missed a stoppage-time goal.
  • Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold kept the score close with six saves, including two in rapid succession early in the second half.
  • Washington advances to face the winner of Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC, with the championship set for Nov. 22 at PayPal Park in San Jose.
  • The semifinal drew a sellout crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field as the Spirit secured their fourth NWSL championship appearance.