Grift Monday and Croix Bethune scored goals and the Washington Spirit are headed back to the NWSL championship after defeating the Portland Thorns 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C.

Aubrey Kingsbury made three saves for the shutout in the semifinal game for the second-seeded Spirit, who've never lost a home postseason match. They are seeking their first championship since 2021.

Next Saturday in San Jose, Calif., the Spirit will meet the winner of the Sunday semifinal between the Orlando Pride and Gotham FC.

The Spirit advanced to their second consecutive NWSL Championship -- they lost last season to Orlando -- and fourth in club history.

Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made six saves.

Monday opened the scoring with a transition goal in the 27th minute, with Rosemonde K

See Full Page