After a nail-biting 120 minute match, the Washington Spirit overcame a tough Chicago Red Stars 2-1. The Spirit ended the first half winning 1-0, but a late equalizer from Christen Press brought the teams into overtime. A Spirit goal late in overtime secured the win for them in a hard fought and emotional victory. The team will now travel to Houston for the NWSL Final on October 9th. After narrowly missing out on the Shield, the Spirit now have a chance to claim the title for the 2016 season and are advancing to the final for the first time in the team’s history.

Krieger goal brings the Spirit to 1-0 in the first half

The Spirit held the majority of possession throughout the first half. The team was able to connect passes in between the Red Stars' defenders right in front of goal. This forced them to send the ball off the end line to prevent chances, resulting in numerous corners for Washington. In the 35th minute, one of those corners is sent in across the face of goal, and it is then distributed out and back to Shelina Zadorsky to recycle. She sent in a cross and it found the head of Ali Krieger, who sent the ball into the back of the next, making the score 1-0 in the 36th minute. Chicago was not going to give up easily, though, and they continued to attempt shots. The score held despite the visitor's attempts, and Chicago went to halftime down 1-0.

Press equalizer brings hope to Chicago

Chicago entered the second half with a new energy. They began to connect more passes and held an equal possession; the game was no longer being played entirely in Washington’s attacking third.  As the half progressed, the team gained confidence and it showed in their play, which became increasingly challenging for the Spirit to handle. Press and Stephanie McCaffrey both had numerous opportunities, but were unable to finish them until the 81st minute, when Press buried a first-time left-footed volley right past Kelsey Wys. With ten minutes left to play in regulation time, both teams’ play showed extra fervor, but Chicago was outplaying almost every player on the Spirit. They were riding an unbreakable connection until the whistle was blown and they took a break before overtime.

A late goal from Ordega saves the Spirit

Going into overtime, the Spirit were able to regain more possession, not looking as succinct as in the first half, but connecting enough to get more shots off. Chicago was able to get shots too, but the possession was more even. Finally, in the 110th minute, Christine Nairn slotted a ball to Francisca Ordega, securing the win for Washington.

Krieger, Wys, and Dydasco celebrate | @WashSpirit                                                                 
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What’s Next?

The Spirit will take on either the Portland Thorns or the Western New York Flash next Sunday, October 9th at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.  The game will be aired on FS1 at 5pm EST. Tickets can be purchased here.

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About the author
Alexandra Grant
Student and writer based in Philadelphia