Spirit in the NWSL final: Rodman returns and the attack shines

Washington Spirit Defeats Portland Thorns and Advances to the NWSL Final

Gift Monday and Croix Bethune led the Washington Spirit to victory with a 2-0 score over the Portland Thorns at Audi Field, securing their place in the NWSL final for the second consecutive time. The Spirit dominated the match from the start, with Monday scoring after a pass from Rosemonde Kouassi, who ran the entire field after a corner kick from the Thorns. Bethune sealed the victory with a goal in the 83rd minute.

I feel like we’ve been at a stable point that’s been pretty good, and honestly, I think these last two games have been the best soccer we’ve played.

Croix Bethune

The Spirit will face the winner of the match between Orlando Pride and NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL final, which will be played on November 22 in San Jose, California. Trinity Rodman, after recovering from an injury, returned to the field in the 90th minute, showing great potential.

I think it’s important to get those minutes to feel like you’re a player again on the field.

Adrián González, Spirit coach

Rodman’s future with the Spirit is uncertain, as she has offers from Europe that could be more lucrative than those offered by the NWSL. Her current contract ends next month. Kouassi and Monday proved to be a constant threat to the Thorns, combining for a crucial goal. Kate Wiesner and Tara McKeown also stood out in the match, contributing to the team’s solidity. The Spirit outperformed the Thorns in terms of expected goals, with 3.11 versus 0.31.

I think Spirit is definitely the best team. They outplayed us, and I think they definitely have all the pieces to win the whole championship.

Sam Coffey, Thorns captain