On Sunday, in its matchup with the undefeated Orlando Pride, the Washington Spirit had the opportunity to deny its host a monumental evening.
What was already a tall task for the Spirit in this meeting of the league’s top teams grew tougher with 10 players unavailable because of injuries and a suspension. Washington adjusted well, but a couple of mistakes proved costly in a 2-0 win for Orlando, which clinched the NWSL Shield for the first time by securing the league’s best record.