B y the time the final whistle blew at Red Bull Arena on Sunday marking the end of the last NWSL quarterfinal, the most unsurprising semifinal bracket was set. The top four teams

Trinity Rodman forced an own goal in extra time to help the Washington Spirit come from behind and earn a 2-1 win over Bay FC in the opening round of the National Women's Soccer League playoffs on Sunday.

Trinity Rodman's cross was deflected into the goal in extra time to give the Washington Spirit a 2-1 victory over Bay FC in the first round of the National Women's Soccer League playoffs.

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.

In their inaugural season, the Bay FC made it to the playoffs, but after a tough fight, they lost to the Washington Spirit on Sunday.

The soccer gods did their best but ultimately that 2-seed kept with the pattern all weekend in the NWSL playoffs: the better team won. Washington bested Bay FC 2-1 in extra time,

If Bay FC learned anything in their first year in the NWSL, it was heartbreak. So perhaps it was most fitting for their season to come crashing down in a most devastating way. After fighting through a scoreless tie for much of the match,