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

Instead of a chance to become just the third team in NWSL history to win consecutive titles, the reigning champions — revamped with a collection of stars in the offseason, the superteam label

Hal Hershfelt tied it in second-half stoppage time and keeper Aubrey Kingsbury was perfect on penalty kicks to send the Spirit to the championship game.