Washington Spirit Can Clinch NWSL Shield Versus the Chicago Red Stars
The Washington Spirit will clinch the NWSL Shield with a win over the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday. With any other result, the Portland Thorns can clinch the title as they sit just one point behind the league leaders. The Thorns take on Sky Blue on Sunday with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
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NWSL Soccer News: The Washington Spirit are seeking to clinch the NWSL Shield this Sunday during their matchup versus the Chicago Red Stars at 8:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Park. The NWSL Shield is awarded to the club with the best record at the end of the regular season. The Spirit will clinch the title with a win as they sit one point ahead of the Portland Thorns who face Sky Blue FC that afternoon.
Washington will need the Thorns to lose if they conclude Sunday with no points due to Portland holding the head-to-head tie-breaker advantage over the Spirit if they would be tied in points atop the table. Regardless of the outcome, both clubs will host first round semifinal matches next weekend.
In the last matchup between the two sides, the Spirit came away with a 2-0 victory versus the Chicago Red Stars. Estefania Banini and Katie Stengel tallied goals on the night to give Washington the home win.
“There is a lot riding on this last regular season match, and it will be good preparation for the
playoffs against a very good playoff team in Chicago,” said Spirit general manager and head
coach Jim Gabarra. “We look forward to bouncing back after a tough result in Seattle and a week off.”
Stengel, Crystal Dunn, and Cheyna Williams lead the Spirit attack, while head coach Gabarra also has the option to slot Diana Matheson or Alyssa Kleiner up top. Williams has found her stride in recent weeks, scoring three goals in the last seven games.
Chicago are looking to get back in form after remaining winless in their last three matches. Christen Press leads the club with seven goals this season, while Sofia Huerta has six to her name.
A live stream will be available here.
Photo Credit: Tony Quinn/ISI Photos
