SAN JOSE, Calif. — Spirit Players Reflect on Last Year’s NWSL Semifinals

On a Thursday afternoon, players from the Spirit looked back with nostalgia to the NWSL semifinals a year prior.

“It was an incredible match. The competition was fierce,” said goalie Aubrey Kingsbury.

Both Gotham FC and Washington Spirit displayed impressive saves, and the game had its share of physicality and flair.

Midfielder Hal Hirschfeld netted the equalizer just before regulation ended, helping to push the game into overtime, where the Spirit ultimately secured the win.

Every encounter between these two teams seems to promise intensity and drama.

The championship clash between No. 8 seed Gotham and No. 2 seed Spirit this Saturday is expected to follow suit.

“There’s bound to be an exciting game when Spirit faces Gotham,” Gotham defender Emily Sonnet remarked. “Both teams are well-organized with talented players who are hard to stop. It’s thrilling to watch.”

Hirschfeld shared her sentiments:

“Whenever we face off, it’s chaotic, whether it’s playoff time or the regular season. Both teams bring a lot of intensity, and there’s always something happening. They’re a fantastic team to challenge.”

It’s clear these squads push each other to their best.

Could this budding intensity be seen as a rivalry?

Spirit forward Trinity Rodman thinks so. “I sense a rivalry with Gotham right now,” she said. “It’s thrilling for us and for our fans, and it adds a layer of excitement to the game.”

This Saturday marks the 44th meeting between these two teams, surpassing any other pair in league history. It’s also the second consecutive year they’ll face off in the playoffs, but now the stakes are even higher.

Given their geographical proximity, Gotham and Spirit naturally have developed a rivalry. Yet, their history adds extra pressure to the mix.

Gotham midfielder Rose Lovell noted, “We had a rivalry week which helped solidify our status as rivals. Initially, it felt a bit forced, but I’m starting to believe it’s becoming real.” She added, “When you face the same team repeatedly, each year adds to the narrative.”

Despite last year’s disappointing semifinal exit at the hands of the Spirit, Gotham holds no regrets.

“We focus on what we can improve based on the film we review, not just on our opponents,” Gotham forward Midge Peirce explained. “It can be fun to earn bragging rights, though. We’ve defeated the No. 1 seed and then the No. 3, so now it’s time to challenge the No. 2 seed.”

Saturday promises to deliver another vibrant chapter in this budding rivalry.

“Both teams have the talent to perform regardless of external factors,” Hirschfeld said. “Our players can adapt and excel under any circumstances.”