The Washington Spirit earned their place in the 2025 NWSL Championship with a commanding 2–0 victory over the Portland Thorns in front of another sold-out crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field. The shutout sends Washington to its second straight championship match and the fourth in club history.
The Spirit set the tone early, creating dangerous chances and even scoring—only for the goal to be called back for offside after VAR confirmation. But the breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute. After clearing a Portland corner, Washington sprung into a perfect counterattack. Rosemonde Kouassi raced down the pitch and delivered a pinpoint pass to Gift Monday, who coolly finished to put the Spirit ahead 1–0. The connection continues to shine—six of Kouassi’s seven assists this year have set up Monday.
Washington stayed on the front foot, forcing Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold into multiple key saves as the first half closed with the Spirit in control.
The second half brought chances for both sides, but the Spirit’s quality shone again in the 83rd minute. Croix Bethune burst forward from midfield, rounded the keeper, and buried her shot to double the lead and electrify the home crowd. Portland pushed through seven minutes of stoppage time but couldn’t break through Washington’s disciplined back line.
At the final whistle, the Spirit sealed a decisive 2–0 win and continued their home playoff dominance—advancing from all six of their last home postseason matches.
Washington now heads to the NWSL Championship at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, on Saturday, November 22 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, where the club will battle for its next title live on CBS.
