# Washington Spirit Punch Ticket to NWSL Championship After 2–0 Semifinal Win

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/washington-spirit-punch-ticket-to-nwsl-championship-after-2-0-semifinal-win/
- Published: 2025-11-16T04:58:57-05:00
- Author: Hyun Choi

 

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.