Di Guglielmo's First NWSL Goal Lifts Washington Spirit Past Gotham FC, Clinches Playoff Berth
Lucia Di Guglielmo scored her first career NWSL goal in the 70th minute as the Washington Spirit defeated first-place Gotham FC 1-0 at Audi Field to secure their playoff spot.
The Washington Spirit secured a playoff berth on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the first-place Gotham FC at Audi Field, extending their recent struggles against the defending champions until this decisive win.
In the 70th minute, midfielder Mélissa Bethi delivered a precise lob pass to defender Lucia Di Guglielmo, who slotted her shot past Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger for her first-ever NWSL goal and the game-winner. Spirit keeper Sandy MacIver preserved the shutout with two key saves, earning her 10th clean sheet of the season.
The result denied Gotham (16-5-7) the opportunity to clinch the NWSL Shield and snapped their four-match unbeaten streak. It marked the Spirit's first win over Gotham since June 23, 2024. Midfielder Leicy Santos returned to the starting lineup in her first appearance since August 8, while Gotham defender Leila Ouahabi, who terminated her contract with the Chicago Stars, started in her first match for her new club.
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Lucia Di Guglielmo scored her first-ever NWSL goal in the 70th minute to give the Washington Spirit a 1-0 victory over Gotham FC.
confirmedThe win clinched a playoff spot for the Washington Spirit and denied Gotham FC a chance to clinch the NWSL Shield.
confirmedMidfielder Mélissa Bethi delivered a pinpoint lob pass to Di Guglielmo for the game-winning goal.
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