Kingsbury, Hershfelt power the Washington Spirit to the NWSL Championship
The press box at Audi Field was shaking after Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made a third-consecutive save in penalties against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
With each save she made, the sold-out crowd of 19,365 fans got louder and louder during Saturday's NWSL playoff semifinal, reaching a climax after her game-winning save on Jenna Nighswonger.
Her third save secured a win for the Spirit after things remained tied at 1-1 through 120 minutes of soccer, but more importantly, a spot in the NWSL Championship, something this club has been waiting since 2021 for.
"I was motivated to do my part and help the team win and get us to Kansas City," Kingsbury said.
Saturday's result made the wait all worth it.
"My thoughts on Aubrey?" defender Esme Morgan said. "Legend. Hero. Absolute icon."
Every one of those fans in attendance on Saturday were locked in from the opening kickoff, reacting to every pass, interception, shot and foul called, and those fans proved to make a difference in penalties.
Both teams kicked into the goal in front of the supporters' section, who were rowdy and raucous all afternoon, and Kingsbury made it a priority for her to connect with them before stepping in front of the net.
"It's just one of those moments in the game that you have to prepare for," Kingsbury said. "I got a good read, but it was more about the fans behind me, me trying to get them into it because I knew that would give us a great advantage."
Washington had the advantage going into penalties, but as the match went into added time in the second half, it was Gotham in front 1-0 after a slow run of play led to a perfect cross over to forward Esther González, who headed one past Kingsbury.
Just like last weekend against Bay FC, the Spirit would be playing from behind, needing a goal to equalize and keep their season alive.
"We all had this feeling we were going to score," Kingsbury said. "It was a matter of when, not if. ... Super proud of her. She's been incredible all season long. To come through in that big moment is just great."
In stepped rookie Hal Hershfelt, getting a perfect pass off a free kick from Makenna Morris right in front of goal. The Clemson-to-Clemson connection worked wonders as Hershfelt found the back of the net with her header, sending Audi Field into a frenzy.
"She has a big personality," head coach Jonatan Giráldez said. "... She's always thinking in the future. When you're young, this type of mentality isn't easy. Her scoring, it's not a coincidence."
That brought the stadium and the team to life going into extra time, a 30-minute period that saw Gotham go down to 10 players after defender Bruninha's second yellow card of the match.
Washington couldn't capitalize in extra time, but the Spirit made the most of penalties. It provided yet another thriller as this team gets ready to face either the Orlando Pride or Kansas City Current in the NWSL Championship next week.
"What we're creating here in DC is crazy," head coach Jonatan Giráldez said. "When you can spread your emotions and share your feelings with the people, that's an amazing experience."
Alex Murphy
on X
Sports reporter
