SAN JOSE, Calif. — Spirit players on Thursday afternoon fondly recalled what happened a year ago in the NWSL semifinals.

Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury said it was a “great game, competitive.”

There were great saves for Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit. It was a physical battle with a fair share of theatrics.

Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt scored the equalizer toward the end of regulation to send the game into extra time. Ultimately, the Spirit won in a shootout.

But the drama and intensity seem par for the course every time these two teams meet on the pitch.

Gotham FC defender Jess Carter (27) clears the ball against Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday (21) during a game on Oct. 1, 2025. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Saturday’s championship match between eighth-seeded Gotham and the se

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