The Washington Spirit had the opportunity to secure the NWSL Shield, awarded to the regular season champions, last night against the Chicago Red Stars but the Spirit fell 3-1 in its final regular season match. With the Portland Thorns defeating Sky Blue FC tonight, the Spirit finished the season in second place and will face the Red Stars again this Friday night.
The Spirit were the first team to clinch a playoff berth and on track to win the Shield and the highest playoff seed but two losses in the final three games left the door open for the Thorns.