The regular season has come to an end and while most teams gave a thrilling finish, both the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars gave a playoff preview in theirs. Playoff positioning and the NWSL League Shield were up for grabs the last time these two teams faced each other. This week's contest will be for a trip to the NWSL Championship.

Spirit stay the course

The Washington Spirit lost their final regular season game to Chicago 3-1. In the week prior they fell 2-0 to Seattle Reign. The Spirit have yet to be tested this season headed into game week facing back to back losses. They earned the right to host a semi-final, the first ever in team history, and will look to regroup before playing Chicago again.

When the Spirit headed into the semi-finals last season, it was in large part due to Crystal Dunn and her remarkable goal scoring. She ended her 2015 campaign with 15 goals, helping the team clinch a semi-final appearance. This season has seen her in a much different role, playing in various positions on the pitch instead of solely up top. She has assisted on five goals this season, however, has only collected two goals. Her second goal of the season came against Chicago in the final regular season game.

The Washington Spirit will need to refocus as the playoffs bring a new level of play. Experienced players like Ali Krieger, Joanna Lohman, Diana Matheson, as well as Dunn - can all prove to be vital in a victory over Chicago.

2016 Chicago Red Stars | Photo: @chicagoredstars
2016 Chicago Red Stars | Photo: @chicagoredstars

Chicago coming in hot

It has been often said the best time to peak is as you enter the playoffs. The Chicago Red Stars have been playing some of their best soccer down the final stretch of the regular season. Their final regular season game against the Washington Spirit ended in a 3-1 scoreline that saw three different goal scorers for Chicago find the back of the net.

Much of their season has seen their defense on full display. Outside backs Arin Gilliland and Casey Short has to help dominate the flanks for their team during games. Excellent goalkeeping from Alyssa Naeher has gotten Chicago points throughout the season they could’ve lost or left on standings. Newly acquired forward Stephanie McCaffrey has helped provide a chemistry among forwards, along with U.S Women's National Team forward Christen Press. Which has allowed midfielders like Vanessa DiBernardo and Danielle Colaprico to help navigate the pitch.

The Spirit are a team that has dominated the top of NWSL standings all season long. Chicago will need an entire team effort to take down Washington in order to achieve their hopes of bringing a championship back to sweet home Chicago.

You can watch both teams battle for a spot in the NWSL Championship this Friday, September 30. All semifinal games will be aired on Fox Sports 1.

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About the author
Sandra Herrera
NWSL, Chicago Red Stars, and USWNT contributor.