Spirit Eliminate Royals, Top Highlights and Updated Bracket from NWSL Playoffs 2026

The Washington Spirit are on their way to the NWSL championship for the third year in a row.

The Spirit downed the Utah Royals 2-1 on Saturday to punch a ticket to the championship game, where they'll face either Gotham FC or the Kansas City Current. Those two teams play in a semifinal matchup on Sunday.

The Royals came out hot, scoring in the second minute when Cloé Lacasse scored off a corner kick to give her side the early edge. The goal from Lacasse was the fastest goal in NWSL playoff history.

But it didn't take Washington long to answer, as Sofia Cantore scored in the eighth minute off an assist from Trinity Rodman to even things up.

After the fast start, both attacks went quiet and went into the second half tied at one goal apiece.

The Spirit scored what would end up being the game-winning goal in the 56th minute when Clara Luvanga intercepted a pass and chipped it over the head of the keeper.

From there, Washington managed to hold off the Royals and claim the victory.

The Spirit have now made three consecutive trips to the championship but are still looking for their first title since 2021. Whether they can get the job done this year remains to be seen.