Overshadowed by the national anthem controversy, the Washington Spirit defeated the Seattle Reign, 2-1, to clinch home-field advantage in the NWSL playoffs and take a step closer to the Supporters’ Shield.
The Spirit (12-3-3) remains four points ahead of the Portland Thorns (10-3-5) with two matches left. Regardless of the first-place chase, Washington will host a semifinal Sept. 30 or Oct. 1 at Maryland SoccerPlex — the first home playoff match in the club’s four seasons.
Wednesday’s match featured two lightning delays, a missed penalty kick, a potentially serious knee injury to Spirit rookie forward Cali Farquharson and a sensational opening goal by Washington’s Crystal Dunn.