The GIST: As mentioned, the Washington Spirit are your 2021 NWSL champions, persevering through a season of adversity to win their first-ever title.

HAPPY SATURDAY! And it is certainly a happy one because the NWSL championship is today at 12 p.m. ET, streaming on CBS in the U.S. and Twitch in Canada. Either the No. 3 Washington Spirit or No. 4 Chicago Red Stars will win their first NWSL title, and we’re here to help get you up to speed before kickoff. Let’s do this.

The MLS playoffs kick off tomorrow, and we’re here to give you the low-down on the 14-team, four-round, single-elimination postseason tournament. Vamos.

The GIST: Yesterday’s epic fútbol Sunday brought two massive upsets. Next stop: the ’ship.

The GIST: While college basketball was celebrating its opening weekend, the playoff pieces were falling into place for field hockey, football and soccer.

The NWSL semifinal playoff games take place this afternoon, so we’re breaking down both matchups before the winners advance to Saturday’s championship game. Let’s get kicking, shall we?