The Washington Spirit women secured the third overall seed and a home quarterfinal in the NWSL Playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, November 1, at Audi Field. The match drew 19,322 fans and marked Washington’s sixth sellout of the 2026 regular season.
Washington Spirit Women Break Through After Halftime
Neither team scored in the first half, although both sides created opportunities. Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson forced a save from Washington goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, while Washington’s best chance came in the 33rd minute when Trinity Rodman’s cross found Ashley Hatch in front of goal. Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saved Hatch’s shot to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
Washington opened the second half with Clara Luvanga and Tamara Bolt replacing Ashley Hatch and Rosemonde Kouassi. The Spirit broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Lucia Di Guglielmo forced an own goal from Michelle Alozie.
Trinity Rodman added Washington’s second goal in the 85th minute, with Clara Luvanga providing the assist. The goal was Rodman’s 12th of the season.
Washington Records 12th Clean Sheet
Chicago threatened during 10 minutes of stoppage time, but Washington protected its lead and recorded its 12th clean sheet of the season. The Washington Spirit finished with 18 shots, including three on goal, while Chicago Stars FC had 19 shots and four on goal.
Washington Spirit Women Set for Portland Quarterfinal
Washington will host Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL Playoff quarterfinal round on Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m. EST in Washington, D.C. The victory secured Washington’s third overall seed and a home quarterfinal.
MSB Analysis
The Washington Spirit women settled the match after halftime, with Lucia Di Guglielmo helping create the opening goal and Trinity Rodman finishing the second. The victory secured the third overall seed, a home quarterfinal and Washington’s 12th clean sheet of the season.
Source: Original report
