The Washington Spirit came into Chicago with a chance to secure the NWSL Shield against the Red Stars tonight, but the Spirit dug themselves into a three-goal hole. Crystal Dunn's second half goal couldn't make up the deficit, with the Spirit closing the regular season on a losing note. Now the Spirit's playoff seed - and the fate of the NWSL Shield - depends upon whether the Portland Thorns pick up at least a point against Sky Blue tomorrow.
Christen Press and the Red Stars attack challenged the Spirit from the outset, with Press scoring the opening goal in the sixth minute.