Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that participates in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). It is a continuation of the D.C. United Women of the W-League and continues to field both an amateur WPSL team[1] and a youth team, both under the Spirit name. The Spirit is coached by Richie Burke.[2]

Washington Spirit
Full nameWashington Spirit
Founded2011 (2011) (as DCU Women)
StadiumAudi Field
Segra Field
Capacity20,000
5,000
OwnersSteve Baldwin
Y. Michele Kang
Bill Lynch (minority)
Head coachRichie Burke
LeagueNational Women's Soccer League
2020Regular season: 3rd
Playoffs: N/A
WebsiteClub website

History

Establishment

The foundation of the National Women's Soccer League was announced on November 21, 2012, with Washington selected as a host for one of the eight teams selected for the inaugural season.[3] In December 2012, the team's name was announced as the Washington Spirit. D.C. United Women head coach Mike Jorden was kept on as well as assistant coach Cindi Harkes. Harkes is the wife of former U.S. international and D.C. United star John Harkes.[4] Bill Lynch, the original Washington Spirit's owner when the National Women's Soccer League launched in 2013,[5] sold the majority of the team to tech executive Steve Baldwin in late 2018.[6][7]

Inaugural season
Main article: 2013 Washington Spirit season

On January 11, 2013 as part of the NWSL Player Allocation, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (USA), defender Ali Krieger (USA), midfielder Lori Lindsey (USA), defender Robyn Gayle (CAN), midfielder Diana Matheson (CAN), defender Alina Garciamendez (MEX) and midfielder Teresa Worbis (MEX) were named to the team.[8][9][10] During the February 7, 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft, the team selected Stephanie Ochs, Tori Huster, Jordan Angeli, Natasha Kai, Megan Mischler and Heather Cooke.[11][12]

The Spirit played their first competitive match on April 14, 2013, drawing Boston Breakers 1–1 with Tiffany McCarty scoring the team's first goal assisted by Stephanie Ochs.[13]

The inaugural season saw the Spirit stumble out of the gate under Mike Jorden, who was fired after the first eleven games having won only once in that time. Jorden was replaced by Mark Parsons, who finished the season in 8th (last) place registering only 2 more wins over the season.[14]

2014–2016 successes

After a poor inaugural season, the Spirit would much improve in the 2014 making some key acquisitions including Jodie Taylor and Christine Nairn, both who would finish as the team's tops scorers with 11 and 8 goals, respectively. Finishing 4th, the Spirit made their first NWSL Playoff appearance. They would lose at Seattle Reign.

The Spirit finished the 2015 season with a record of 8–6–6 and repeating their 4th place league position.[15] The playoff result, again, ended in an away loss to Seattle in the semifinals.[16] The season would be the breakout year for Crystal Dunn who was awarded the 2015 NWSL Golden Boot Award, scoring 15 goals during the campaign.[17] At the conclusion of the season, Mark Parsons stepped down as head coach and general manager to take over as coach of the Portland Thorns.[18]

Building off the successes of the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the Spirit hired former Sky Blue FC manager, Jim Gabarra ahead of the 2016 season.[19] The Spirit had their most successful season to date in 2016, being league leaders in the standings throughout most of the season. Only in the final week would the Spirit's loss finalize them as league runners-up. Earning their first post-season victory against Chicago Red Stars, the Spirit would lose the 2016 NWSL Final in penalties to Western New York Flash.[20]

2017–present
The Spirit line up in June 2018.

In the aftermath of finishing 2016 runners-up, the Spirit saw a series of key departures including captain Ali Krieger (traded to Orlando Pride), Christine Nairn and Diana Matheson (both traded to Seattle Reign), and Crystal Dunn leaving for Chelsea, while retaining her contracting rights. Unable to adequately replace these players, the Spirit struggled to compete throughout the 2017 season ultimately finishing last (10th) for the first time since the inaugural season.[21] However, building for the future, Gabarra was able to recruit U.S. national team prospect, Mallory Pugh mid-season.[22] Pugh would go on to lead the team in scoring, registering 6 goals in 16 games.[23] The 2018 season continued the Spirit's pursuit of young talent, but also continued the struggle for results. On August 21, after eight straight losses and being eliminated from playoff contention, the Spirit fired head coach, Jim Gabarra, and appointed assistant coach, Tom Torres as interim head coach.[24] Torres lead the Spirit through the final three matches of the season at home, including the Spirit's debut at newly opened Audi Field against Portland Thorns on August 25. The match set a new club record for home attendance with 7,976 fans.[25] The season ended with the Spirit finishing in 8th place, just ahead of Sky Blue FC. During the offseason, the Spirit appointed Richie Burke as the new head coach while retaining Tom Torres on the technical staff. The announcement also noted local tech executive Steve Baldwin had become the Spirit's new majority owner.[2]

The 2019 Washington Spirit season marked several changes for the Spirit organization. Owner Steve Baldwin outlined several improvements including an upgraded player experience, theme nights for fans, a gear store in the stadium, and a mascot.[26] The 2019 season also featured major changes on the field; fifteen new players were added to the Spirit roster including Australian national team members Chloe Logarzo and Amy Harrison.[27] The Spirit surpassed their point total from the previous season on May 18 after the 5th game of the season against Portland Thorns FC. They would go on to surpass their past season's point total the next week against the Chicago Red Stars. They ultimately finished 5th in the 2019 NWSL standings.

Colors and badge

In January 2013, the team unveiled its new colors and badge. The badge was designed to resemble a torch reflecting the notion of "Burning with Spirit." It also contains a crown that holds 11 stars to represent the 11 players on the field and a ball with a single star to represent the 12th player (the team's fans) placed where the fuel for the torch would be representing how the fans "fuel the spirit." All of the components of the badge are "wrapped in the Banner of Spirit for a patriotic theme honoring our flag and all of those who have given their lives and sacrificed much so we can enjoy the freedoms we have."[28]

The logo was designed by freelance designer Pete Schwadel and incorporates the team colors of navy, red, and white, further reinforcing the patriotic theme woven throughout the team's imagery. It also features both "Washington" and "DC" to represent the team's connection with the District and the greater Washington metropolitan area.[29]

Stadium

The Maryland SoccerPlex, located in Germantown, Maryland, was home to the Washington Spirit beginning with the inaugural 2013 season.[30] The Spirit played their home games at the main stadium, named Maureen Hendricks Field in June 2013 in honor of Hendricks’ role in the development of women's professional soccer and the SoccerPlex facility.[31] The facility was also home to the Washington Spirit Reserves in the WPSL.

Starting during the 2018 season, the Spirit began coordinating with D.C. United to play home matches at Audi Field in Buzzard Point in Washington D.C. The Spirit played their first match on August 25 that season, hosting the Portland Thorns. The match registered the team's highest attended game and was viewed as a means to generate more interest in the team.[32] During the 2019 season, the team announced it would host two home matches at Audi Field.[33]

On November 12, 2019 the team announced starting with the 2020 season, Washington Spirit reached an agreement with D.C. United that will split the team's home games between three stadiums, the Maryland SoccerPlex, Audi Field and Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia for four games each. Due to COVID restriction the Spirit played two home matches at Segra Field in 2020. In addition, the team has relocated its training facilities to Segra Field and will occupy the new D.C. United training center in Leesburg once the facility is completed in the summer of 2021.[34]

Season Stadium Location Capacity
2013–2019 Maryland SoccerPlex Germantown, Maryland 4,000[30]
2018–present Audi Field Washington, D.C. 20,000[35]
2020–present Segra Field Leesburg, Virginia 5,000

Supporters

The Spirit Squadron is the name of the supporter's group for the Spirit. The group was started by friends Ashley Nichols, Megan Wesson and Tory Johnson.[36] Of the group's founding, Nichols said, "... with a new league we needed to show the team as much support as possible because we really want a women's pro league to stay here in the United States. So between that and wanting to also provide a fun experience for fans, we decided to create the Spirit Squadron." [37]

Broadcasting
See also: National Women's Soccer League § Broadcasting

At the beginning of the 2019 season the Spirit announced a broadcast partnership with NBC Sports Washington and Monumental Sports Network.[38]

As of April 2017, Washington Spirit games are streamed exclusively by Go90 for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.[39] For the 2017 season, the Spirit will be featured in three nationally televised Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week broadcasts on April 22,[40] June 17, and August 19, 2017.[41]

In 2016, the Spirit's NWSL Playoff game against the Chicago Red Stars was broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and was available for streaming on the company's online streaming platform, Fox Sports Go.[42]

Players
See also: List of Washington Spirit players

Current squad

Where a player has not declared an international allegiance, nation is determined by place of birth. Squad correct as of January 27, 2021.[43]

No. Position Player Nation
1 Goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe  United States
2 Forward Trinity Rodman  United States
3 Defender Sam Staab  United States
4 Defender Natalie Jacobs  United States
5 Defender Kelley O'Hara  United States
6 Defender Emily Sonnett  United States
7 Midfielder Saori Takarada  Japan
8 Forward Averie Collins  United States
9 Defender Tegan McGrady  United States
10 Forward Ashley Sanchez  United States
11 Midfielder Jordan DiBiasi  United States
12 Midfielder Andi Sullivan  United States
13 Forward Bayley Feist  United States
14 Defender Paige Nielsen  United States
16 Midfielder Julia Roddar  Sweden
17 Forward Kumi Yokoyama  Japan
18 Goalkeeper Devon Kerr  Canada
19 Midfielder Dorian Bailey  United States
20 Forward Mariana Speckmaier  United States
21 Midfielder Anna Heilferty  United States
23 Defender Tori Huster  United States
31 Goalkeeper Sydney Schneider  United States
33 Forward Ashley Hatch  United States


Staff

Current staff
As of December 29, 2020.[44][45]
Executive
Owner Steve Baldwin
Owner Y. Michele Kang
Minority Owner Bill Lynch
Chief Executive Officer Larry Best
Director of Football Richie Burke
Coaching
Head Coach Richie Burke
Assistant Coach Carrie Kveton
Goalkeeping Coach Vacant
High Performance Director Michael Minthorne

Head coaches
As of March 1, 2020
Name Nat. Tenure M W D L Win % Notes
Mike JordenApril 6, 2012 – July 1, 2013111379.1%First head coach[14][46]
Mark ParsonsJuly 1, 2013 – September 30, 20155720132435.1%[14][18]
Jim GabarraOctober 14, 2015 – August 21, 20186519113129.2%[24]
Tom TorresAugust 21, 2018 – December 27, 201830120.0%Interim head coach[2][24]
Richie BurkeDecember 27, 2018 – present2497837.5%[2]

Year-by-year
See also: National Women's Soccer League attendance
Year League Regular Season P W D L Pts Playoffs Top Scorer Avg. Attendance
2013 NWSL 8th Place22351414 Did not qualify Diana Matheson (8) 3,620
2014 NWSL 4th Place24105935 Semi-Finals Jodie Taylor (11) 3,335
2015 NWSL 4th Place2086630 Semi-Finals Crystal Dunn (15) 4,087
2016 NWSL 2nd Place20123539 Final Estefanía Banini (5) 3,782
2017 NWSL 10th Place24541519 Did not qualify Mallory Pugh (6) 3,491
2018 NWSL 8th Place24251711 Did not qualify Ashley Hatch (4) 3,892
2019 NWSL 5th Place2497834 Did not qualify Ashley Hatch (7) 6,138
2020 NWSL Challenge Cup 6th Place52217 Quarter-finals[lower-alpha 1] Bayley Feist (1) 0[lower-alpha 2]
2020 NWSL Fall Series 3rd Place42207 N/A Bayley Feist (1) 0[lower-alpha 3]
  1. Results of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
  2. Tournament played behind closed doors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. Matches played behind closed doors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See also

References
  1. "Washington Spirit Reserves 2016 — Washington Spirit". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved 2016-09-10.
  2. Steven Goff (27 December 2018). "NWSL's Washington Spirit hires Richie Burke as head coach". Washington Post. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
  3. "U.S. Soccer to announce new women's professional league today". Leagues. Soccer Wire. November 21, 2012. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  4. Kassouf, Jeff. "New DC team named Washington Spirit". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  5. goff, steve (October 10, 2018). "Washington Spirit owner in talks about selling majority share of NWSL club". Washington post.
  6. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/23/this-womens-soccer-team-owner-says-female-players-should-be-paid-more-than-men/
  7. https://ontaponline.com/2019/03/02/washington-spirit-dc/
  8. "NWSL allocation easier said than done". ESPN. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  9. "Player distribution sees NWSL take shape". FIFA. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  10. Bell, Jack (11 January 2013). "New Women's League Allocates Players". New York Times. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
  11. "NWSL Supplemental Draft results". The Equalizer. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  12. "Washington Spirit focused on offense during the NWSL Supplemental Draft". NWSL News. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  13. "Breakers come back to draw with Washington". Boston Breakers. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  14. Sean Sedam (July 1, 2013). "Washington Spirit Fire Coach Mike Jorden". Germantown Patch. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  15. "MATHESON PENALTY NOT ENOUGH TO OVERCOME THE REIGN — Washington Spirit". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved 2015-10-21.
  16. "WASHINGTON SPIRIT FALLS TO SEATTLE REIGN FC 3–0 IN HARD FOUGHT SEMIFINAL — Washington Spirit". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved 2015-10-21.
  17. "Spirit forward Crystal Dunn wins 2015 Golden Boot". washingtonspirit.com. September 7, 2015. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  18. Steven Goff (September 30, 2015). "Mark Parsons steps down as Washington Spirit coach and GM". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  19. Steven Goff (October 14, 2015). "Soccer Insider Jim Gabarra named coach, general manager of Washington Spirit". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  20. Alexandra Grant (October 18, 2016). "Washington Spirit 2016 NWSL season review". Vavel. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  21. Emily Kesel (October 24, 2017). "2017 NWSL season review: Washington Spirit". Vavel. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  22. "Washington Spirit acquires U.S. Women's National Team forward Mallory Pugh". washingtonspirit.com. May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
  23. Emily Kesel (October 24, 2017). "2017 NWSL season review: Washington Spirit". vavel.com. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  24. "Washington Spirit parts ways with head coach and general manager Jim Gabarra". August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  25. "Washington Spirit finally score, but have to settle for 1–1 draw with Sky Blue FC". Washington Spirit. August 25, 2018. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
  26. sambishopcws (2019-04-09). "A Statement from our new Ownership Group member – Steve Baldwin". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  27. Cavalier, Mason (2019-07-03). "How every new player has contributed to the Spirit's resurgent season". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  28. "Spirit unveil new logo with a lot of meaning". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  29. Linehan, Meg. "Washington Spirit revamp logo, add more VIP seats". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  30. "Washington Spirit Pro Team". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  31. "Flash unbeaten in last six with win over Spirit". The Equalizer. June 15, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  32. Jason Anderson (25 August 2018). ""Excited" Washington Spirit hoping game at Audi Field is a long-term boost". Black and Red United. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  33. Steven Goff (4 April 2019). "Washington Spirit set to play a pair of matches at Audi Field". The Washington Post. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  34. . Washington Sprit. 12 Nov 2019 https://washingtonspirit.com/2019/11/12/washington-spirit-to-play-2020-games-at-audi-field-segra-field-and-the-maryland-soccerplex/. Retrieved 14 Nov 2019. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  35. "Audi Field". dcunited.com. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  36. "About the Squadron". Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  37. "NWSL Supporters Groups ready for the season to start". NWSL News. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  38. Casteel, Quinn (2019-01-30). "Washington Spirit, Monumental Sports Network and NBC Sports Washington Announce Broadcast Partnership". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  39. "NWSL, go90 announce exclusive streaming partnership". Black and Red United (SBNation). Vox Media. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  40. "S2017 E2 Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit". Lifetime. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  41. "NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime schedule". National Women's Soccer League. April 16, 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  42. "WNT on TV: Washington Spirit vs Chicago Red Stars". US Soccer. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  43. "Roster – Washington Spirit". Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  44. "Coaching Staff".
  45. "Front Office".
  46. "D.C. United Women Name Mike Jorden First Head Coach". washingtonspirit.com. April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
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