Venue and Kickoff
Audi Field (Washington, D.C.; capacity approximately 20,000). Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT), nationally televised on ABC (with streaming options via ESPN platforms/Fubo in many markets).
This is a single-elimination quarterfinal. The higher seed hosts; winners advance in a fixed bracket (no reseeding). Extra time (two 15-minute periods) and penalties if necessary. The 2026 NWSL Championship is also scheduled at Audi Field on November 21.
Current Weather Forecast
Expect clear to mostly sunny conditions in the Washington, D.C. area. Highs around 58–61°F (14–16°C), lows in the mid-to-upper 40s°F, light west/northwest winds (around 8–12 mph), and very low precipitation chances (under 5–10%). Cool, dry, and favorable soccer weather with good visibility and no significant disruptions expected.
Current Player Rosters and Injury Reports
Washington Spirit (head coach Adrián González) return key pieces for a home playoff environment where they have been strong. Standouts include forward Trinity Rodman (team leader with around 12 goals, including a late Decision Day strike), goalkeeper Sandy MacIver (multiple clean sheets, including the Decision Day shutout), midfielder Andi Sullivan, defender Tara McKeown/Rudd, Lucia Di Guglielmo, and supporting attackers such as Rosemonde Kouassi and others. Casey Krueger was recently activated from maternity leave.
Notable absence: Midfielder Hal Hershfelt is on the season-ending injury list after tearing her ACL in late October (major midfield loss after a heavy-minute campaign). Other earlier absences (e.g., certain maternity or prior D-45 cases) have largely been managed or resolved for the postseason push. The squad retains depth and home-crowd energy after back-to-back Championship appearances in prior seasons.
Portland Thorns FC feature attacking threats led by Sophia Wilson and a mix of experienced and younger talent capable of transition play and set-piece danger. The side has navigated long-term absences (historical SEIs for players such as goalkeeper Bella Bixby and others in prior reports) but enters with a competitive regular-season foundation and playoff experience.Exact starting XIs are typically confirmed closer to kickoff (~1 hour prior). Both teams should field competitive, near-full-strength groups relative to their late-season availability, with Spirit missing Hershfelt’s midfield presence as the clearest gap.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Trinity Rodman vs. Portland’s back line: Rodman’s pace, finishing, and ability to stretch defenses (12-goal campaign) against Thorns’ organized but occasionally vulnerable unit. Her late Decision Day goal highlighted her clutch factor.
Sophia Wilson / Portland attackers vs. Spirit defense and Sandy MacIver: Wilson’s movement and goal threat tested against MacIver’s shot-stopping and the Spirit’s home defensive structure (strong clean-sheet rate).
Midfield battle (Andi Sullivan / Spirit engine vs. Thorns central players): Control of tempo and transitions. Hershfelt’s absence elevates the importance of Sullivan and supporting midfielders in disrupting Portland’s rhythm.
Overall tactical duel: Spirit’s structured home possession, width, and individual quality versus Thorns’ counter-attacking threat, set pieces, and playoff resilience. Expect a physical, high-stakes contest with potential for late drama.
Recent Team Forms
Washington closed the regular season strongly, securing the No. 3 seed with a 2-0 home win over Chicago Stars on Decision Day (own-goal contribution and Rodman’s late finish; 12th clean sheet for the side). They have been solid at Audi Field and finished with a +15 goal difference and consistent top-three positioning.
Portland finished sixth with 50 points after a competitive campaign, showing mixed but capable form (capable of results against top sides, with periods of strong defensive organization). They enter as a dangerous lower seed with attacking upside.
Series History
The clubs have a lengthy NWSL history with competitive meetings. In 2026, Spirit earned a 2-1 road win at Portland in September (key contributions including penalties and late goals). Broader recent H2H is relatively even-to-slightly favoring one side or the other depending on the window, but home advantage and current form tilt toward Washington in this matchup. Both have deep playoff pedigrees.
Betting Trends
Trends favoring Spirit: superior regular-season points and goal difference, strong home record (including recent shutouts), Rodman’s form, and crowd support at Audi Field. Portland’s path involves exploiting transitions or set pieces for an upset.
MATCH ODDS
Portland Thorns FC + 340
Washington Spirit – 160
Draw + 285
Over 2.5 – 170 Under 2.5 + 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, November 07, 2026
