The Bay FC defense had played so well for an hour and a half at Washington Spirit, but with a one-goal lead and the season on the line late in Sunday’s NWSL first-round playoff game, two

Superstar midfielders Croix Bethune and Andi Sullivan are both serving lengthy spells on the sidelines with knee injuries, while forward Rosemonde Kouassi will serve a suspension in Sunday's quarterfinal. Head coach Jonatan Giraldez also ruled out forward Ouleymata Sarr from playing any role due to an injury.

Washington Spirit are one of the favourites in the NWSL playoffs, but they will need to be at their best to stop Bay FC's African stars.

Seventh-seeded Bay FC is the underdog against the Washington Spirit, but Bay star Racheal Kundananji, fresh off a brace in the regular-season finale, isn’t backing down.

The Washington Spirit are returning to the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs for the first time since winning the championship in 2021. The Washington Spirit are returning to the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs for the first time since winning the championship in 2021.

Jonatan Giraldez has transformed Washington Spirit and has them chasing another playoff triumph. Can Michelle Kang's club claim the title for the first time since 2021.

Washington prevailed, 1-0, and will open the postseason Nov. 10 at Audi Field against a quarterfinal opponent to be determined.