The Washington Spirit will conclude their 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup tonight, as they host NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field tonight. No matter the result, the Spirit cannot advance to the Challenge Cup final, but tonight is still a big occasion: it’s the first time Washington will play in front of fans in the DMV since September 28, 2019.
It also might have some extra meaning to Washington, who spent years utterly dominating their games against their nearest geographic rival. However, in 2020 and 2021, the team that was once Sky Blue FC have eliminated the Spirit from last year’s Challenge Cup on penalties, beaten Washington in the Fall Series with a stoppage-time goal, and came to this venue to win 2-1 just under a month ago.