Washington Spirit secure Audi Field for NWSL semi‑final after venue dispute

The Washington Spirit confirmed on Sunday night that their National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) semi‑final against the Utah Royals will be played at Audi Field on Saturday, 14 November, at noon. The decision follows negotiations to avoid relocating the match to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, a venue the team has never used in its 13‑year history.

Audi Field, which has served as the Spirit’s full‑time home since 2023, is owned by Major League Soccer side DC United. The stadium was also scheduled to host a Division III college football game between the Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy on the same afternoon, though the Spirit has not confirmed whether that contest will be moved.

Earlier reports indicated the NWSL was preparing contingency plans that would have placed the Spirit’s semi‑final at Northwest Stadium, a 64,000‑seat facility, should both the Spirit and top‑seeded Gotham FC advance from their quarter‑finals. The league also announced that Gotham’s semi‑final against the Kansas City Current will be played on Sunday, 15 November, at 3 p.m., but did not disclose a venue.

Gotham FC’s regular venue, Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, has drawn criticism for its deteriorating playing surface. After Gotham’s 1‑0 quarter‑final win over Seattle, Reign captain Jess Fishlock described the field as “atrocious,” and head coach Laura Harvey said a playoff match should not be held on such a surface. Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amoros apologized for the conditions, noting the club’s limited ability to improve the pitch. The league reportedly fined Gotham $10,000 for the poor field in its season‑final match on 4 November.

With the Spirit’s semi‑final now set at Audi Field, the team joins other NWSL clubs that have faced venue challenges this season. The league continues to evaluate stadium options to ensure suitable playing conditions for the remainder of the playoffs.