Washington knocked out Gotham FC following a dramatic penalty shootout at Audi Field to advance to the NWSL final.

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved all three penalties she faced as the Spirit defeated reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC 3-0 in a penalty shootout on Saturday at Audi Field to advance to next week's NWSL championship.

The Spirit converted its first three attempts in alternating order to end the shootout sequence with the fewest rounds necessary.

Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury had three massive saves in the shootout to secure the semifinal win and send Washington to the championship.

The 2024 NWSL regular season has concluded and the playoffs are officially underway. League leaders Orlando Pride hosted Chicago Red Stars to kick off the quarterfinal round. The 2024 NWSL Shield winners defeated Chicago 4-1 and will face Kansas City Current in the semifinal after the Current eliminated North Carolina Courage.

Football can be a cruel game. As the clock at Audi Field hit the 90 minute mark, Gotham FC players and coaching staff would have felt that they had done enough to secure a place in then 2024 NWSL Championship final in Kansas City. The side from the Big Apple were leading 0-1 and in control as seven minutes of added time were confirmed.

WASHINGTON (7News) — The Washington Spirit is heading to the NWSL Finals! In front of a sold-out Audi Field, the team defeated defending champion NJ/NY Gotham FC in a match that had to be decided in a penalty shootout on Saturday.