The Washington Spirit is gearing up for their third NWSL semifinal in five years, facing off against the Portland Thorns at a sold-out Audi Field this Saturday. The excitement follows the team’s victory in the National Women’s Soccer League quarterfinals, where they triumphed through a penalty kick shootout on November 8.
As the No. 2 seed, the Spirit will have the home-field advantage, playing in front of their passionate “Rowdy Audi” supporters. The support from fans is a significant motivator for the team as they approach this critical match. Midfielder Croix Bethune expressed her eagerness, stating, “I can’t sleep, unfortunately, because I’m so anxious for the game.”
Notably, this match marks the Spirit’s sixth sell-out this year, demonstrating their growing popularity. Fans eager to attend can look for tickets on TicketMaster’s reseller site or other third-party platforms, as the game is sold out. It will also be televised on CBS, providing the Spirit with national exposure as they aim for a coveted championship spot.
This year has been pivotal for the Spirit, as they fully transitioned to Audi Field in Southwest D.C., enhancing their connection with the local community through various events while building a competitive roster. Head coach Adrián González emphasized the importance of that bond, highlighting the team’s diverse makeup and how it fuels their performance: “The connection that we are having, I think, that’s an extra push, and obviously we are so thankful for that.”
The Spirit’s influence extends beyond the field. In response to significant political issues, including law enforcement actions during the Trump administration, fans emphasized their stance with chants of “Free D.C.” The club stood with the community, declaring solidarity: “As your neighbors, we walk beside you.”
For players like Bethune, the Spirit signifies more than just a pursuit of a title. “With everything going on, we’re just trying to be the light for the city,” she noted. Fellow teammate Hal Hershfelt, who was drafted last year, expressed her gratitude for the city and the team. “I love D.C. Just because I feel so proud to play in front of them every weekend, and it’s awesome,” she said.
A win this Saturday would position the Spirit as the second professional sports team from D.C. to reach a championship game this year, alongside the UFL’s DC Defenders. González described the potential achievement as “a huge privilege” and emphasized its significance for both the team and the city. “We’re the Washington Spirit for a reason, so we’re putting on for our city,” Bethune affirmed.
With an energized fan base and a strong commitment to the community, the Washington Spirit is poised to make a powerful statement as they head into this crucial semifinal match.