Washington Spirit clinch third consecutive trip to NWSL Championship with win over Utah Royals

The Washington Spirit beat the Utah Royals 2-1 at Audi Field to reach the NWSL Championship for a third consecutive season. Utah took an early lead through Cloe Lacasse, whose second-minute corner became the fastest goal in NWSL playoff history and the postseason’s first Olympic goal. Sofia Cantore and Clara Luvanga scored to complete Washington’s comeback. The Spirit will host the championship game on Nov. 21.