The Washington Spirit are one win away from returning to the NWSL Championship. After edging out No. 7 seed Racing Louisville in a tense penalty shootout last weekend, the Spirit—currently the No. 2 seed—will face the No. 3 seed Portland Thorns at noon on Saturday at Audi Field.A win would send Washington to the title match on November 22 at PayPal Park in San Jose, where they’d face off against either the Orlando Pride or Gotham FC.
Are tickets still available?
Yes and no. The Spirit sold out Saturday’s semifinal 64 hours after the match was announced, according to the club. It’s the team’s fourth straight playoff sellout at Audi Field.
A handful of resale tickets remain, with prices ranging from about $60 for fan-section seats to more than $600 for premium sideline spots with food and drink included.
Where else can I watch the game?
If resale prices are too steep (fair), several official Spirit Bar Network locations are hosting watch parties across DC and Northern Virginia.
In DC:
- Solace Outpost (71 Potomac Ave., SE): A favorite gathering spot just blocks from the stadium that offers indoor and outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio.
- Astro Beer Hall (1306 G St., NW): Known for its smashburgers and beer selection.
- Dacha Beer Garden in Navy Yard (79 Potomac Ave., SE) and Dacha Beer Garden in Shaw (1600 7th St., NW): Both family- and dog-friendly outdoor beer gardens serve seasonal food and craft drinks.
- As You Are (500 8th St., SE): An inclusive cafe and nightlife venue that doubles as a community hub for LGBTQ+ fans and allies.
- Bluejacket (300 Tingey St., SE): A microbrewery and restaurant near Nationals Park with a rotating selection of beers.
- Metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave., NE): An outdoor venue built from a refurbished Metro car.
- Her Diner (2004 18th St., NW): An LGBTQ-friendly spot in Adams Morgan.
- Queen Vic (1206 H St., NE): Not part of the official Spirit Bar Network, but the H Street British pub is a longtime favorite for Spirit watch parties and reliably draws a loud, lively crowd.
In Virginia:
- Solace Outpost in Falls Church (444 W. Broad St.): A brewpub and beer garden known for its craft beers.
- Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington (4001 Campbell Ave.): A spot serving smashburgers and an extensive beer list.
- Piece Out Del Ray in Alexandria (2419 Mt. Vernon Ave.): A pizzeria and beer garden offering New Haven–style pies and local brews.
What should I know before heading to the stadium or a watch party?
The Spirit are back in familiar territory this weekend, returning to the semifinals for the second straight year. They’re now one game away from another championship appearance; the last time they won the title was in 2021, when they beat the Chicago Red Stars 2–1.
Fans are encouraged to wear yellow for the semifinal, and with a home crowd behind them, supporters are feeling confident.
“It’s going to be a great match and it’s very winnable,” Meredith Bartley, president of the Spirit Squadron, told Washingtonian. “We beat the Thorns at home in August, and our bench is deep even with a couple stars taking knocks on the way to this semifinal.”
If you’re brushing up on the roster, three recent standouts to know:
- Aubrey Kingsbury (goalkeeper): Started every match last season, recorded seven shutouts, and reached 50 regular-season career wins.
- Trinity Rodman (forward): A former Rookie of the Year, MVP finalist, and Olympic gold medalist who became the Spirit’s all-time assists leader. She’s currently out with an injury and missed the quarterfinal, but a team spokesperson says she’s “day-to-day” and “progressing well.”
- Esme Morgan (defender): A steady, composed presence on the back line who joined the Spirit from Manchester City last year. She started all three playoff matches last year and brings years of experience from England’s premier soccer league and the national team.
