The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Washington Spirit Rally Past Utah Royals to Reach Third Straight NWSL Championship
By Megan McCarthy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Spirit are heading back to the NWSL Championship for the third consecutive season after rallying to defeat the Utah Royals 2-1 in the semifinal at Audi Field.
Utah struck first just two minutes into the match. A corner kick traveled through traffic in the penalty area and found its way into the net, giving the Royals an early 1-0 lead through Cloé Lacasse.
Washington answered quickly. In the eighth minute, Trinity Rodman beat her defender on the left side and delivered a low cross into the box. Sofia Cantore turned the ball home at the near post to bring the Spirit level at 1-1.
The teams went into halftime even, with Washington goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and Utah goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn facing important moments. McGlynn made a strong near-post save to deny Cantore in the first half, keeping the score tied before the break.
The decisive goal came in the 56th minute, when Clara Luvanga capitalized on a poor backpass from Utah’s Nuria Rabano. Luvanga broke through alone and calmly chipped McGlynn to put Washington ahead 2-1.
The Spirit appeared to extend their advantage later in the second half, but the goal was ruled out. Melissa Bethi had finished from close range, only for Luvanga to be ruled offside in the build-up.
Utah continued to look for an equalizer late in the match. MacIver denied Rabano with a save on a deflected strike, preserving Washington’s one-goal advantage. Rodman received a yellow card in stoppage time at 90 minutes plus four.
The final whistle secured Washington’s place in the championship game for the third straight season. The Spirit will host the final at Audi Field on Saturday, Nov. 21, against either Gotham FC or the Kansas City Current.
Washington will now have another opportunity to claim the title on home ground, seeking to end a two-year losing streak in the championship game. The semifinal victory came through a quick response to Utah’s early breakthrough and Luvanga’s second-half finish.
Megan McCarthy
Soccer, The Library Media
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