By OkayGoal 
Nov 8, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) dribbles the ball against the Portland Thorns FC during the second half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Sabina Shysh-Imagn Images
Quarterfinal week saw the Royals pull an upset in their playoff debut, an offensive explosion in Washington and the end of the line for Jess Fishlock.
Here are 11 thoughts from the weekend. We’ll do this every Monday following NWSL match weeks. Some points will be factual, some will be opinion based, and some will just be random statements or observations. Let’s dig in!
I. Rodman’s finest game?
Entering the playoffs, Trinity Rodman had not had a postseason goal or assist since she fed one to Kelley O’Hara for the 2021 NWSL Championship-winning goal. That is no longer the case. Rodman set the tone for Sunday’s win over the Thorns when she took the ball away from Carolyn Calzada, drove the left side and delivered a deft cross to Melissa Bethi. Rodman later added a pair of goals and flirted with a hat trick in a 4-1 win.
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