Washington Spirit Advances to Semifinals Thanks to Stellar Performance
By Jeff Kassouf | November 8, 2025, 05:53 PM ET
WASHINGTON – The Washington Spirit showcased resilience in their NWSL quarterfinal match at Audi Field, successfully progressing to the semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Despite star forward Trinity Rodman being sidelined on the bench and the absence of two starting defenders due to injuries, the Spirit controlled the first half against 7th-seeded Racing Louisville FC. However, they allowed an equalizer during stoppage time in the second half.
With the match concluded in a goalless extra time, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury stepping up to secure a 3-1 win for Washington.
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Gift Monday put the Spirit ahead with a goal in the 73rd minute. Despite Washington maintaining over 70% possession, Racing Louisville’s Kayla Fischer leveled the score in stoppage time, pushing the game into extra time.
“I had faith because there was no way we were losing this match,” said Spirit head coach Adrián González. “Full credit to the players for their fantastic effort. It was all about persistence, which reflects our team mentality.”
In the upcoming semifinal, Washington will either face the Portland Thorns or San Diego Wave at Audi Field.
Rodman, who had been listed as questionable, remained on the sidelines in a tracksuit and did not join pre-match warmups or participate with substitutes during the game. González did not confirm if there was ever an intention for her to play, noting the importance of being responsive to the situation at hand while expressing hope about Rodman’s recovery.
“She’s making great strides,” González remarked. “Rodman is working extremely hard to improve, and her presence on the bench reflects her commitment.”
Rodman, who sprained her MCL last month, had missed the last two regular-season games and what would have been her first international camp in nearly half a year. Previously, she had struggled with a back injury that kept her out for a significant portion of the NWSL season.
The Spirit’s success in the shootout allows her additional time to recuperate, but the team’s injury challenges have escalated. Starting fullback Gabby Carle left the match early with a hamstring issue, while center-back Tara McKeown exited during extra time with an ankle injury, later seen using crutches in the tunnel.
Monday’s goal came shortly after the passing of her father; she returned to Nigeria for family matters before rejoining the Spirit. “Football brings me joy, regardless of my circumstances… I have to continue, and we need to keep moving forward,” she expressed. She dedicated her goal to Spirit fans and her late father.
“He was my first coach and shaped who I am today,” Monday shared. “His belief in me inspired my drive, and I felt his presence with that goal. This moment is the representation of his support.”
Though Monday’s goal was not the winning strike, the Spirit triumphed in penalties before a lively crowd of 19,215.
Kingsbury once again shone in goal. Last year, she saved all three attempts during the semifinal shootout against NJ/NY Gotham FC. This time, she denied shots from Marisa DiGrande and Ary Borges and saw Ellie Jean’s attempt strike the crossbar, while the Spirit converted all their kicks. Kingsbury now holds the record for the most career shootout saves in NWSL history with nine saves.
“I can imagine our opponents see my shootout record and feel the pressure,” Kingsbury noted. “I also owe a lot to our fans who create such an intimidating atmosphere.”
Information from ESPN Research was included in this report.
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