In another country and a mile and a half above sea level, the Washington Spirit lined up against non-NWSL competition for the first time this season. Prior to the Spirit taking the pitch, Gotham were taught a hard lesson by Club América courtesy of a 4-1 loss that denied them the opportunity to defend their title. Washington took heed, and despite a shaky start, managed to ride a late Claudia Martínez goal to victory over Pachuca to take the slot opposite Club América in the final.