At Audi Field, the Washington Spirit secured the third overall seed in the NWSL Playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The match drew 19,322 fans, marking the Spirit’s sixth sellout of the 2026 regular season and guaranteeing the club a home quarterfinal.
Washington Spirit Breaks Through After Halftime
The match remained scoreless at halftime. Early in the game, Washington held 68 percent possession in the first 15 minutes but managed only two shots in the attacking third, one blocked and one off target. Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson recorded a first-half shot on target that forced a save from Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver. In the 33rd minute, Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped a shot from Washington forward Ashley Hatch.
The Spirit started the second half with substitutions, bringing in forwards Clara Luvanga and Tamara Bolt for Ashley Hatch and Rosemonde Kouassi, respectively. In the 62nd minute, defender Lucia Di Guglielmo pressured Chicago and forced an own goal by Michelle Alozie, putting Washington up 1-0.
In the 78th minute, Sofia Cantore replaced Mélissa Bethi as the Spirit looked to extend their lead. Seven minutes later, Trinity Rodman scored her 12th goal of the season with a one-timer assisted by Clara Luvanga, doubling the advantage to 2-0.
Chicago finished with 19 shots and four on goal compared to Washington’s 18 shots and three on goal. Washington held strong through 10 minutes of stoppage time, securing their 12th clean sheet of the season.
Washington Spirit Will Host Portland Thorns FC
The win secured a home quarterfinal for Washington for the third consecutive season. The Spirit will host Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL Playoffs quarterfinal on Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m. EST.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Washington Spirit created enough decisive moments after halftime to break a scoreless match and secure a 2-0 victory. This result clinched the third overall seed, extended the club’s run of home quarterfinal appearances to three consecutive seasons, and brought the team’s clean sheet total to 12 for the season.
Source: Original report
