Kickoff 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
TV/Streaming: CBS / Paramount+
This is a high-stakes NWSL Playoff Semifinal. The No. 3 seed Washington Spirit host the No. 7 seed Utah Royals, who earned their first-ever playoff victory by upsetting the No. 2 San Diego Wave 1-0 on the road. The Spirit advanced with a dominant 4-1 quarterfinal win over the Portland Thorns. The winner advances to the NWSL Championship on November 21 at Audi Field.
Current Weather Forecast
Partly sunny and cool in Washington, D.C. Highs around 47–50°F (8–10°C), lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. Light-to-moderate northwest winds (around 10–14 mph). Low chance of precipitation. Crisp fall conditions expected for the noon kickoff — suitable for soccer with players likely in long sleeves or layers.
Injury Reports
Washington Spirit
Hal Hershfelt (MF): Season-ending (torn ACL).
Kate Wiesner (DF): Season-ending (ankle).
The Spirit remain relatively healthy in attack and midfield beyond these losses.
Utah Royals FC
Earlier-season or late-regular-season issues affected players such as Mina Tanaka (hamstring — expected available or close for playoffs), Narumi Miura, and Cece Delzer at times. Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn and key attackers have been central in the postseason run. No major new long-term absences were highlighted immediately after the quarterfinal win.
Key Roster Players
Washington Spirit: Trinity Rodman (star forward and playoff performer), Leicy Santos, Rebeca Bernal, and supporting cast featuring attacking depth and strong home form. Goalkeeping and defensive structure have been solid in the postseason.
Utah Royals FC: Mina Tanaka (leading scorer), Cloé Lacasse (high assist totals), Kiana Palacios (scored the historic playoff winner vs. San Diego), Mandy McGlynn (heroic goalkeeping in the quarterfinal), Kate Del Fava, Nuria Rábano, Ana Tejada, and Miyabi Moriya form a resilient, organized unit under coach Jimmy Coenraets.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Trinity Rodman vs. Utah’s back line (Del Fava, Rábano, Riehl/Moriya): Rodman’s pace, movement, and finishing will test Utah’s disciplined defense that limited San Diego.
Mina Tanaka / Kiana Palacios / Cloé Lacasse vs. Spirit midfield and defense: Utah’s attacking trio (and creative outlets) must generate chances against a Spirit side that pressed effectively in the quarterfinal.
Midfield battle (Spirit’s Santos/others vs. Utah’s Miura/Tejada/Hammond): Control of the center and transitions will dictate tempo.
Goalkeeping duel: Mandy McGlynn’s shot-stopping vs. the Spirit’s high-volume attack.
Recent Team Forms
Washington Spirit: Strong finish to the regular season and an emphatic 4-1 quarterfinal victory over Portland (goals from multiple sources including a Rodman brace). Excellent home record and experience in deep playoff runs (seeking a third straight Championship appearance).
Utah Royals FC: Historic first playoff berth and first postseason win (1-0 at San Diego, Palacios goal, McGlynn clean sheet). Resilient, organized, and dangerous on the counter/transition. Finished the regular season as a solid mid-table side that punched above its seeding.
Series History
The sides split the 2026 regular-season series: 1-1 draw at Audi Field in March and a 1-0 Spirit road win in July (Rodman goal). Historical meetings have often been tight and low-scoring. Home advantage and playoff intensity favor the higher seed, but Utah’s recent road resilience makes them dangerous.
Betting Trends
Home favorites are typically backed in NWSL playoffs, but underdogs that advance via upset (like Utah) can attract value. Both teams have shown the ability to keep games tight.
MATCH ODDS
Utah Royals FC
Washington Spirit
Draw +
Over 2.5 – 165 Under 2.5 + 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 13, 2026
