In the early afternoon hours in Washington D.C. the ladies of the Spirit and Bay FC took to the field in front of a sold out 19,215 fans, the largest on the East Coast in NWSL playoff history to see who is going to be in the 2024 NWSL Semis.
With a lineup featuring undefeated all-rookie midfielder Heather Stainbrook, Hal Hershfelt and Courtney Brown along with the return of Esme Morgan to the field, the Spirit and Bay FC started the action in a strong manner.
In terms of stats at the conclusion of the half it was the Spirit leading by a slim margin in the possession battle. Leading the way in the first half were October/November NWSL Rookie of the Month and Best XI recipients Makenna Morris and Trinity Rodman.
With a scoreless half and a ton of excitement and fun at Audi Field, it was continued momentum by the Spirit at the start of second half all in the quest to see if somehow or the other they could recapture the NWSL Championship.
Even though the Spirit had momentum it was Bay FC Asisat Oshoala scoring the first goal in the 82′ with an assist by Penelope Hocking for the 1-0 lead.
Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to check out this post-match press conference video featuring Tara McKeown, Hal Hershfelt along with Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez Costas
Then it was the ladies of Washington D.C. showing that true fighting spirit in the 86′ when McKeown scored the game-tying goal to send the fans and followers in attendance into a frenzy.
The goal for McKeown was the first of the season and for the franchise as a whole was ther 12th of the season.
From there thanks to the new life given by McKeown the rest of the roster followed in tow with scoring opportunities galore, as they kept knocking and knocking on the Bay FC goalkeeper’s door for the game-winning goal.
It was in extra time as one half of the battle of NWSL Champions was set as an untimely goal by Caprice Dydasco sent the Spirit into the Semis.
The other half was set later on in the day as in front of an incredible atmosphere at Red Bull Arena that Gotham FC defeated the Portland Thorns with a 2-1 victory to then make the match between the Championship Teams official.
It is going to be an exciting one for sure and the match between the Spirit and Gotham FC to be played at Audi Field is going to be on November 16 at Noon.
For more information on the Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to click on the link below: