Washington Spirit women’s soccer clinched a third consecutive NWSL Playoffs berth with a 1-0 victory over Gotham FC on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Defender Lucia Di Guglielmo scored the match-winning goal in the 70th minute, her first goal since joining the Washington Spirit.
The Washington Spirit moved into second place in the NWSL table at least temporarily and finished with a 13-5 advantage in shots, including a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. The result gave the Spirit another clean-sheet victory at home while securing its place in the postseason.
Lucia Di Guglielmo Delivers the Winning Goal
After a scoreless first half, midfielder Mélissa Bethi entered for Leicy Santos at halftime and later provided the decisive assist. In the 70th minute, Bethi sent the ball into the box, where Di Guglielmo collected it and poked the finish home for a 1-0 lead.
The Washington Spirit nearly doubled its advantage in the 72nd minute when Bethi’s effort struck the crossbar. Rosemonde Kouassi and Ashley Hatch entered for Sofia Cantore and Clara Luvanga in the 78th minute as Washington worked to preserve the result.
Gotham FC threatened during the closing minutes, but the Washington Spirit held firm after a foul was called on Andi Sullivan during an attack. The Spirit defended the ensuing free kick and corner kick before limiting Gotham’s chances through three minutes of stoppage time.
Washington Spirit Women’s Soccer Heads to Kansas City
The Washington Spirit will visit Kansas City Current at 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 25, for its final away match of the 2026 regular season. The team has already secured its NWSL Playoffs berth, while results around the league could allow Washington to clinch a home quarterfinal match before its next game.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Washington Spirit combined a strong defensive effort with a timely contribution from Di Guglielmo to secure the postseason-clinching victory. Bethi’s halftime arrival produced the winning assist, while Washington’s advantages in total shots and shots on goal reflected its control of the match.
Source: Original report
