The Washington Spirit moved forward in the NWSL playoffs after a dramatic shootout against Racing Louisville at Audi Field. The match ended 1-1 before the Spirit won on penalties.
The Washington Spirit hosted Racing Louisville in a tense National Women's Soccer League playoff game that ended in a penalty shootout. This marked the third time in league history that a playoff match was decided by shootouts, with the Spirit involved in all three. Every home playoff game for the Spirit has required extra time to determine a winner.
Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury played a crucial role by saving two of Racing Louisville's four penalty shots, helping the Spirit secure the win. All three of the Spirit’s penalty takers successfully converted their shots. The match was tied 1-1 after regular and extra time.
Early in the match, the Spirit thought they had scored when Rosemonde Kouassi’s shot was initially counted, but it was later disallowed due to an offside call. The Spirit eventually took the lead in the 72nd minute when Gift Monday, in her first NWSL season, scored with a header. Monday has now scored nine goals across all competitions this season.
Racing Louisville, making their first playoff appearance, fought hard throughout the match. After the Spirit’s goal, Kayla Fischer equalized by skillfully chipping the ball over Kingsbury, which sent the game into extra time.
The shootout featured two goalkeepers with contrasting experiences. Kingsbury, who holds the record for the most penalty saves in NWSL history, added two more saves to her tally. Her success rate in shootouts is notably higher than other goalkeepers in the league.
With this victory, the Washington Spirit will face the winner of the upcoming match between the Portland Thorns and the San Diego Wave. That game is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ABC. The Spirit will host the semifinal match at Audi Field next weekend.
