Happy Monday, everyone. So, I was at Audi Field four times in about 53 hours this weekend, getting to see each of the three soccer teams that play there. We begin with the playoff game on Sunday, because what a game it was! There’s also a ton of other news from the weekend as well.

Washington Spirit blow past Portland Thorns in 4-1 quarterfinal win (DP)

What an amazing game for the Spirit! They torch the Thorns to book their place in the NWSL semifinals, where they will host the Utah Royals. Check out Jason’s recap on it as well.

Washington Spirit NWSL semifinal will be at Audi Field (Green Line Soccer)

After many scenarios were made public about plans to move a potential semifinal home game for the Spirit to Landover because of the Secretaries’ Cup football game on Saturday, the Spirit were able to work everything out. So, Rowdy Audi on Saturday at noon!!

‘Atrocious’ home pitch leaves one-seed Gotham’s semifinal venue in doubt (ESPN)

Now, on the other side, after Gotham was trying to avoid moving their game to Icahn Stadium because of the Red Bulls hosting a friendly on Saturday, they got the Sunday slot they wanted…but all along, the Sports Illustrated Stadium field was so bad that Gotham was fined for it! So, the venue for their semifinal is now in doubt, even though they got the slot that would have allowed for them to play at their home. They are expected to announce the venue today.

Late New York City FC goal the difference as DC United lose season finale (DP)

DC United’s season is over, and their finale ended in a 1-0 loss. It was a long season for the club, and ultimately their crash over the final couple months of the season proved to be their downfall. Check out Jason’s recap on the match as well. Steve Goff wrote a scathing review of another DC United season that ends without a trip to the playoffs, and he ain’t lie on a single solitary syllable.

The win wasn’t enough for NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen to keep his job…he was let go by the club on Sunday.

DC Power FC holds on for third straight home win in victory over Lexington SC (DP)

Don’t look now, but DC Power is in second place in the USL Super League and they defeated the reigning champions once again on Friday. If they win their Veterans Day match against Brooklyn, they will set themselves up to clinch a playoff spot for the first time ever if Lexington drops points on Friday night.

Messi claims second straight Golden Boot as Nashville set points record on MLS Decision Day (The Guardian)

Congratulations to Nashville SC, who finished with 77 points to set the MLS record. Lionel Messi wins the Golden Boot.

The Washington Spirit took a fresh approach to international players — and it’s working (Baltimore Banner)

The Banner examines how the Spirit were able to bring in so many international players to their roster, and the success they’re having with it.

Schools vote down men’s college soccer schedule change: How did we get here, what comes next? (ESPN)

The NCAA proposal to make the college soccer season span across the fall and spring semesters has been rescinded. Where do they go from here?

It sounds like Miami FC will be dropping themselves from the USL Championship down to USL League One. They are supposed to be moving into a new stadium in Homestead, but that is only going to create more logistics for them in an area that still has Messi (for now).

Chengdu lose four in a row to blow 12-point lead & miss out on Chinese title (BBC)

Chengdu Rongcheng had a 12-point lead in the Chinese Super League standings with five matches to play. They only picked up 1 point in those five matches, while Dalian Yingbo won five straight, including a win over Chengdu, to catch them on points and win the title on head-to-head record. It’s considered one of the worst collapses in a title race in world soccer history.

Tenerife commit to financially supporting Jesus de Miguel’s daughter until she turns 18 (The Athletic)

Jesus de Miguel’s death was a shock to the soccer world. His club, Tenerife, is doing a solid thing by committing a minimum of €360,000 to help support his daughter until she turns 18.

Enjoy the day, everyone.