Rodman, Washington edge Utah to reach 3rd straight NWSL Championship

play

Nov 14, 2026, 01:59 PM ET

The Washington Spirit are heading to a third straight NWSL Championship after getting the better of the Utah Royals, 2-1, in Saturday's first semifinal at Audi Field.

The Spirit will become just the third team to host the final in the predetermined-venue era, when it takes on either top-seeded Gotham FC or the Kansas City Current in a week's time. Gotham and Kansas City will face off in Sunday's second semifinal.

Washington lost its previous two finals, against Gotham (2025) and the Orlando Pride (2024).

"Trying not to cry, this is insane," Spirit forward Trinity Rodman told CBS. "No I can't [believe it], this is a dream come true and I'm so happy we're heading back to the final."

Clara Luvanga scored the decisive goal for the Spirt on Saturday, capitalizing on a defensive giveaway in the 56th minute. The Tanzanian forward became the third player in NWSL history score the winning goal in each of her first two playoff appearances, having also scored in the team's quarterfinal win over the Portland Thorns last week.

Utah, which upset second-seeded San Diego Wave in the quarterfinals, got off to a fast start with a second-minute goal from Cloé Lacasse.

But Sofia Cantore responded for the Spirit six minutes later off an assist from Rodman. It was United States star Rodman's 24th goal contribution this season.

"I don't know, man, just unity togetherness, love happiness," Rodman said when asked about what's different for the team this season compared to its previous two final appearances.

"This team right here, I would do anything for them. And its been a long season, we've dealt with a lot of injuries so I just think we're fighting for each other."

Rodman and teammate Tara Rudd join Christine Sinclair as the only players to reach four NWSL semifinals for the same team. The Spirit won the NWSL Championship in 2021.