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The Washington Spirit announced today the team's NWSL playoff semifinal will be played on Friday, September 30 at 8pm. The Spirit clinched home-field advantage last Wednesday but their opponent is still to be determined. The Portland Thorns, the current second-place team who have also assured themselves of a home playoff game, will host a semifinal on Sunday, October 2 at 5pm EST.
This is the Spirit's first-ever home semifinal, and the team's third semifinal appearance in the NWSL's four year history. The Spirit fell in both previous semifinals to the Seattle Reign. The NWSL Championship will be in Houston, Texas on Sunday, October 9. The location is predetermined and was announced earlier this season.
Tickets are currently on sale for Spirit season ticket holders. Tickets will be available to the general public on Monday morning.
The Spirit, Thorns, and Chicago Red Stars have each clinched a playoff spot, with the Western New York Flash and Seattle Reign competing for the fourth and final spot. Washington will most face the fourth seed if the team wins the Shield, or the third seed if the Thorns jump over them on the final day of the season. The Spirit will finish first if the team wins its final game at Chicago, if both the Spirit and Thorns tie their final game, or if the Thorns lose to Sky Blue FC on September 25.
The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.