The Washington Spirit’s 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup continues after a tough match with OL Reign that ended 0-0 at full-time, then featured ten penalty kicks. Spirit keeper Aubrey Kingsbury was the star of the night, stepping up to the Spirit’s third penalty, making a clutch save after a Spirit miss to extend the shootout, then saving Reign’s tenth to advance to the Challenge Cup Final.
It was a tough game for the Spirit, who faced a different tactic than they’re used to. OL Reign used a low mid-block to disrupt a lot of Washington’s buildup play.