The Washington Spirit won the National Women’s Soccer League championship with a 2-1 extra time victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kelley O’Hara scored in the 97th minute and the Washington Spirit won the National Women’s Soccer League championship with a 2-1 extra time victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday. The championship game closes a tumultuous ninth season for the league. The Spirit had to forfeit a pair of games this season because of coronavirus issues. The team played under interim coach Kris Ward after Richie Burke was fired in September for violating the league’s anti-harassment policy. It was the first league championship for the Spirit, who advanced to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over second-seeded OL Reign. The team posted a tweet following the game that said: « This season has been a wild ride, but two things have remained constant: Our love for this city & our love for you. Thank you:heart: Don’t be sad because it’s over, be ready for what’s next. We’re looking ahead and 2022 season tickets are on sale now. »O’Hara, a defender who was on the U.S. national team that won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, scored her first goal of the season.
