| 2023 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Y. Michele Kang | ||
| General manager | Mark Krikorian | ||
| Head coach | Mark Parsons | ||
| Stadium | Audi Field (capacity: 20,000) | ||
| Top goalscorer | Ashley Hatch (8) | ||
| Highest home attendance | 12,232 (May 6 vs. SD) | ||
| Lowest home attendance | 7,073 (Apr 22 vs. HOU) | ||
| Average home league attendance | 9,940 | ||
| Biggest win | 3–1 (May 6 vs. SD) | ||
| Biggest defeat | 0–3 (Jul 1 vs. ORL) | ||
|
| |||
| All statistics correct as of July 8, 2023. | |||
The 2023 Washington Spirit season was the team's eleventh season as a professional women's soccer team. The Spirit played in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top tier of women's soccer in the United States.
Background
The Spirit failed to defend their 2021 championship during the 2022 season, and also failed to qualify for the NWSL Playoffs, finishing in 11th place of 12 teams.[1] The team fired championship-winning Kris Ward after a 1–6–9 start and allegations of misconduct toward players, leaving Albertin Montoya to finish the season as interim head coach. Ward was later banned indefinitely by the NWSL following a league investigation into the allegations.[2] The team also hired Mark Krikorian, formerly head coach of the Florida State Seminoles women's soccer team, as its new general manager in June 2022.[3]
.jpg.webp)
Hirings
In November 2022, the Spirit announced several technical and front-office hirings, including:
- Dawn Scott, formerly of The Football Association and United States Soccer Federation and most recently of Inter Miami CF, to staff and lead the Spirit's new performance and medical division, on November 1[4]
- Morinao Imaizumi, formerly of Florida State University and most recently with Chicago Red Stars, as a player development coach on November 8[5]
- Mark Parsons, its former head coach and most recently manager of the Netherlands women's national football team, as its new permanent head coach on November 21[6]
Offseason transactions
On February 7, 2023, the Spirit signed Olympique Lyon midfielder Inès Jaurena,[7] who had ended her contract with Lyon by mutual consent on January 29.[8]
On March 3, 2023, the Spirit signed midfielder Chloe Ricketts, who at 15 years and 283 days old had signed her NWSL contract at an age three days' younger than Olivia Moultrie in June 2021, setting a new NWSL record for youngest signing.[9] The record was broken again 18 days later, when San Diego Wave FC signed Melanie Barcenas at 15 years and 138 days old. Rickett was signed using the league's new under-18 entry mechanism added by the collective bargaining agreement signed near the start of the NWSL preseason.[10]
Change in colors
The Spirit abandoned its red, white, and blue color scheme for monochromatic white and black kits with a metallic chrome crest. The team debuted the kits and crest to premium season ticket holders, supporters' group members, and sponsors at the Penn Social event space on March 1, 2023.[11] Spirit owner Y. Michele Kang said the changes represent a clean-slate transition toward a planned club rebranding.[12]
Summary
March/April
The Spirit went undefeated in its first five league matches and did not trail an opponent during that span,[13] but lost its 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup opener to NJ/NY Gotham FC 1–0 on April 19.[14] The unbeaten stretch included the professional debut of Ricketts on April 15 against North Carolina Courage.[15]
On April 7, the Spirit announced the hiring of Mami Yamaguchi, a former Japan national team player and former player and assistant coach to Mark Krikorian at Florida State, as an assistant coach. She had most recently served as an assistant coach and player-coach at Detroit City FC and AFC Ann Arbor.[16][17]
May
The Spirit continued winning through the start of May, with wins of 3–1 against San Diego Wave FC on May 6, 4–2 against Orlando Pride in the second match of Challenge Cup group play, and 1–0 against Angel City FC on May 13 to move to the top of the NWSL table. The team's time atop the standings ended with its next match on May 20, its first league loss of the season, falling 2–1 at Orlando Pride.[18] The Spirit finished May tied for second with 16 points with OL Reign, San Diego Wave FC, and Portland Thorns FC after a 1–1 draw against leaders NJ/NY Gotham FC on May 28, equalizing on a Paige Metayer goal in the 69th minute.[19]
Kang bids for OL Féminin
On May 13, Olympique Lyon won the Coupe de France féminine 2–1 over Paris Saint-Germain, its 10th victory in the competition, on a brace by Ada Hegerberg.[20] The match was attended by Spirit owner Y. Michele Kang, who also raised the trophy with Lyon.[21] On May 16, Olympique Lyon holding company OL Groupe and Kang announced the formation of a separate entity that would be composed of the Spirit and Olympique Lyon Féminin. OL Groupe would retain a 48% stake in the resulting new entity, and Kang would become the club's majority owner and CEO, pending regulatory approval.[22][23][24][25]
June
The Spirit opened June with a 1–1 draw at home against Racing Louisville FC, scoring through Trinity Rodman in the 3rd minute. Louisville equalized on a 51st-minute penalty kick by Savannah DeMelo, then lost Elli Pikkujämsä to a straight red card in the 77th minute. Despite the advantage, the Spirit failed to convert again.[26]
On June 10, the Spirit ended a three-match winless streak by defeating Angel City FC 2–1 at home on goals by Ashley Hatch and Ashley Sanchez, while the defense limited Angel City to one shot on goal in the second half. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury suffered a head injury in the 90th minute and was substituted out for backup Nicole Barnhart.[27]
On June 14, the Spirit lost to North Carolina Courage 2–1 at home in a Challenge Cup match, conceding the losing goal in second-half stoppage time. The team played without starters Hatch, Rodman, Sanchez, and Andi Sullivan, while Kingsbury remained out while recovering from the head injury sustained against Angel City.[28] Barnhart was team captain for the match, making her 151st appearance across competitions and passing Ashley Harris for second-most appearances by a goalkeeper in league history. Her start alongside 16-year-old Chloe Ricketts resulted in the largest age gap between starting players in a league match, at 25 years, 7 months, and 13 days. Riley Tanner also made her first career start for the Spirit in the match.[29]
On June 18, the Spirit rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Kansas City Current 3–2 on the road. The first concession was by Michelle Cooper 22 seconds into the match, setting a new league record for the fastest goal scored in a match, followed by a second goal conceded in the 23rd minute by Debinha on a penalty kick called for a Spirit handball foul in the penalty area. The Spirit's rally began with a Sanchez goal in the 37th minute, a Metayer equalizer in the 82nd minute, and an 88th-minute match winner by Tara McKeown, a defender who played as a forward until the start of the 2023 season.[30]
The Spirit then lost 4–2 on the road to Portland Thorns FC on June 23, conceding a hat-trick to Sophia Smith. The Spirit equalized twice, through Hatch in the 13th minute and Sanchez in the 46th minute.[31]
On June 30, the Spirit signed French forward Ouleymata Sarr, whose contract with Paris FC had expired, to a three-year contract.[32]
World Cup period
Six Spirit players left the team in late June to play for their national teams in the 2023 Women's World Cup:[33]
- MF Aubrey Kingsbury for
United States - FW Trinity Rodman for United States
- MF Ashley Sanchez for United States
- MF Andi Sullivan for United States
- FW Marissa Sheva for
Republic of Ireland - FW Riley Tanner for
Panama
On June 28, the Spririt signed Mariana Speckmaier and Jordan Thompson to cap-exempt short-term national team replacement player contracts allowed by league rules.[34]
In the Spirit's first regular-season match without its World Cup callups on July 1, the team lost 3–0 at home against Orlando Pride. Nicole Barnhart started in goal for Kingsbury,[33] Hatch took on captaincy of the team, Amber Brooks moved into the midfield, and Nicole Douglas and Lena Silano took on starting roles.[35]
On July 6, the Spirit signed French defender Annaïg Butel, formerly of Paris FC, to a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.[36]
Style of play
Under newly appointed head coach Mark Parsons, the Spirit deployed a 4–4–2 diamond formation and a fast-paced, direct style of play that relied in the first half of the season on shorter passing sequences than any other team in the NWSL.[38]
Stadium and facilities
The Spirit continued to play in Audi Field, their full-time home since the team's 2022 season. The Spirit moved its training to a temporary facility shared with Major League Soccer franchise D.C. United at Segra Field.[39] As of 26 March 2023, Spirit ownership continued searching for available land for plans toward a permanent, stand-alone Spirit training facility.[40]
Broadcasting
On March 30, 2023, Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced a partnership to broadcast nine Spirit road matches on NBC Sports Washington and provide social media coverage of the team.[41]
Team
Staff
| General manager President of soccer operations |
Mark Krikorian |
| Senior director of soccer operations | Nathan Minion |
| Head coach |  Mark Parsons |
| Assistant coach | Angela Salem |
| Assistant coach Director of player personnel |
Mark Bristol |
| Player development coach |  Morinao Imaizumi |
| Assistant coach Player development coach |
Mami Yamaguchi |
| Vice president of performance, medical, and innovation |
Dawn Scott |
| Athletic trainer | Alessandro Ciarla |
| Athletic trainer | Rylee Learn |
Players
- As of July 6, 2023.[44]
Competitions
NWSL Challenge Cup
Group stage
| April 19, 2023 1 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 0–1 | Washington Spirit | Harrison, New Jersey |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 7,543 Referee: Shawn Tehini |
| May 10, 2023 2 | Washington Spirit | 4–2 | Orlando Pride | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 4,991 Referee: Joshua Encarnación |
| June 14, 2023 3 | Washington Spirit | 1–2 | North Carolina Courage | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 5,778 Referee: Matthew Corrigan |
| July 22, 2023 4 | North Carolina Courage | 6–0 | Washington Spirit | Cary, North Carolina |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park Attendance: 4,063 Referee: Thomas Snyder |
| July 28, 2023 5 | Washington Spirit | 4–2 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 4,732 Referee: Danielle Chesky |
| August 4, 2023 6 | Orlando Pride | 0–1 | Washington Spirit | Orlando, Florida |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 3,661 Referee: Brad Jensen |
East Division standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | T | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | NC | NJY | WAS | ORL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina Courage | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 5 | +10 | 11 | Advance to knockout stage | — | 1–1 | 6–0 | 0–0 | |
| 2 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 11 | 2–0 | — | 1–0 | 1–1 | ||
| 3 | Washington Spirit | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 13 | −3 | 9 | 1–2 | 4–2 | — | 4–2 | ||
| 4 | Orlando Pride | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 15 | −10 | 2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 0–1 | — |
Results by matchday
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Regular season
Matches
| March 26, 2023 1 | Washington Spirit | 1–0 | OL Reign | Washington, D.C. |
| 4:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 11,281 Referee: Alyssa Nichols |
| March 25, 2023 2 | Racing Louisville FC | 2–2 | Washington Spirit | Louisville, Kentucky |
| 3:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) |
|
Report | Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium Attendance: 4,861 Referee: Sergii Demianchuk |
| April 15, 2023 3 | North Carolina Courage | 1–2 | Washington Spirit | Cary, North Carolina |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park Attendance: 5,160 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
| April 22, 2023 4 | Washington Spirit | 0–0 | Houston Dash | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 7,073 Referee: Elton Garcia |
| April 29, 2023 5 | Chicago Red Stars | 1–1 | Washington Spirit | Bridgeview, Illinois |
| 7:00 p.m. CDT (UTC-5) |
|
Report | Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium Attendance: 3,610 Referee: Mathew Corrigan |
| May 6, 2023 6 | Washington Spirit | 3–1 | San Diego Wave FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 1:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 12,232 Referee: Matthew Thompson |
| May 13, 2023 7 | Angel City FC | 0–1 | Washington Spirit | Los Angeles, California |
| 7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: BMO Stadium Attendance: 17,427 Referee: JC Griggs |
| May 20, 2023 8 | Orlando Pride | 2–1 | Washington Spirit | Orlando, Florida |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) |
|
Report | Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 4,290 Referee: Thomas Snyder |
| May 28, 2023 9 | Washington Spirit | 1–1 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 5:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 11,545 Referee: Karen Callado |
| June 3, 2023 10 | Washington Spirit | 1–1 | Racing Louisville FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 8:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 8,515 Referee: Rebecca Pagan |
| June 10, 2023 11 | Washington Spirit | 2–1 | Angel City FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | NWSL report ESPN report |
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 10,032 Referee: Alyssa Nichols |
| June 18, 2023 12 | Kansas City Current | 2–3 | Washington Spirit | Kansas City, Kansas |
| 6:00 p.m. CDT (UTC-5) | Report | Stadium: Children's Mercy Park Attendance: 9,644 Referee: Natalie Simon |
| June 23, 2023 13 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–2 | Washington Spirit | Portland, Oregon |
| 7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 20,254 Referee: Katja Koroleva |
| July 1, 2023 14 | Washington Spirit | 0–3 | Orlando Pride | Washington, D.C. |
| 8:19 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) |
|
Report | Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 8,901 Referee: Anya Voigt | |
| Note: Kickoff delayed from 7:00 p.m. by thunderstorms in the area. | ||||
| July 8, 2023 15 | San Diego Wave FC | 2–2 | Washington Spirit | San Diego, California |
| 7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium Attendance: 14,362 Referee: Adam Kilpatrick |
| August 19, 2023 16 | Houston Dash | 1–1 | Washington Spirit | Houston, Texas |
| 7:30 p.m. CDT (UTC-5) | Sanchez  90+1' |
Report | Sanchez 63' |
Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium Attendance: 4,822 Referee: Eric Tattersall |
| August 27, 2023 17 | Washington Spirit | 1–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 5:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Hatch 90+2' (pen.) |
Report | Weaver 64' |
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 13,048 Referee: Jeremy Scheer |
| September 3, 2023 18 | Washington Spirit | 0–2 | Chicago Red Stars | Washington, D.C. |
| 5:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | St. Georges 48'
Nagasato 60' |
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 10,035 Referee: Brandon Stevis |
| September 16, 2023 19 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 2–0 | Washington Spirit | Harrison, New Jersey |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | González 65'
González 70' |
Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 6,202 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
| September 30, 2023 20 | Washington Spirit | 2–1 | Kansas City Current | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Sarr 19'
Rodman 90+1' |
Report | Debinha 21' (pen.) |
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 11,607 Referee: Eric Tattersall |
| October 6, 2023 21 | OL Reign | 0-0 | Washington Spirit | Seattle, Washington |
| 7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Lumen Field Attendance: 34,130 Referee: Thomas Snyder |
Regular season standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 31 | Playoffs – quarterfinals |
| 7 | Orlando Pride | 22 | 10 | 1 | 11 | 27 | 28 | −1 | 31 | |
| 8 | Washington Spirit | 22 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 26 | 29 | −3 | 30 | |
| 9 | Racing Louisville FC | 22 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 27 | |
| 10 | Houston Dash | 22 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 18 | −2 | 26 |
Results summary
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
| 22 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 26 | 29 | −3 | 30 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 12 | −1 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 15 | 17 | −2 |
Last updated: July 8, 2023.
Source: NWSLsoccer.com
Results by matchday
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Statistics
- As of matches played July 8, 2023.[47]
| Player | Goals by competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos. | No. | Nat. | Name | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total |
| FW | 33 | USA | Ashley Hatch | 8 | 0 | — | 8 |
| MF | 10 | USA | Ashley Sanchez | 4 | 1 | — | 5 |
| FW | 2 | USA | Trinity Rodman | 4 | 0 | — | 4 |
| MF | 26 | USA | Paige Metayer | 3 | 0 | — | 3 |
| DF | 3 | USA | Sam Staab | 1 | 1 | — | 2 |
| DF | 9 | USA | Tara McKeown | 1 | 1 | — | 2 |
| MF | 25 | IRL | Marissa Sheva | 0 | 1 | — | 1 |
| FW | 24 | USA | Lena Silano | 0 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Own goals | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | |||
| Total | 22 | 5 | — | 27 | |||
| Player | Assists by competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos. | No. | Nat. | Name | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total |
| DF | 19 | USA | Dorian Bailey | 3 | 0 | — | 3 |
| FW | 33 | USA | Ashley Hatch | 3 | 0 | — | 3 |
| FW | 2 | USA | Trinity Rodman | 2 | 0 | — | 2 |
| FW | 24 | USA | Lena Silano | 1 | 1 | — | 2 |
| MF | 7 |  FRA | Inès Jaurena | 1 | 0 | — | 1 |
| MF | 26 | USA | Paige Metayer | 1 | 0 | — | 1 |
| MF | 39 | USA | Chloe Ricketts | 0 | 1 | — | 1 |
| MF | 10 | USA | Ashley Sanchez | 1 | 0 | — | 1 |
| MF | 3 | USA | Sam Staab | 1 | 0 | — | 1 |
| MF | 27 | PAN | Riley Tanner | 0 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Total | 13 | 3 | — | 16 | |||
| Player | Clean sheets by competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos. | No. | Nat. | Name | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total |
| GK | 1 | USA | Aubrey Kingsbury | 3 | 0 | — | 3 |
| Total | 3 | 0 | — | 3 | |||
| Player | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos. | No. | Nat. | Name |  |  |
| |
| |
| |
| FW | 33 | USA | Ashley Hatch | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | |
| DF | 9 | USA | Tara McKeown | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |
| MF | 26 | USA | Paige Metayer | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 1 | |
| MF | 12 | USA | Andi Sullivan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |
| DF | 14 | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} CAN | Gabrielle Carle | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| MF | 7 | FRA | Inès Jaurena | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| FW | 2 | USA | Trinity Rodman | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| DF | 3 | USA | Sam Staab | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| DF | 19 | USA | Dorian Bailey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| DF | 30 | USA | Camryn Biegalski | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| DF | 22 | USA | Amber Brooks | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| MF | 39 | USA | Chloe Ricketts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| MF | 25 | IRL | Marissa Sheva | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| MF | 10 | USA | Ashley Sanchez | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| Total[lower-alpha 1] | 22 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | 26 | 1 | ||||
- ↑ Does not include three yellow cards issued to manager Mark Parsons.
Awards
NWSL monthly awards
| Month | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March/ April |
DF | USA | Sam Staab | [48] |
| May | DF | USA | Sam Staab (2) | [49] |
| Month | Pos. | Rookie of the Month | Statline | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | MF | USA | Paige Metayer | 1 goal, 1 assist; tied for league scoring lead among rookies (3) | [50] |
NWSL weekly awards
- As of June 29, 2023
| Wk. | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Won | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | USA | Ashley Hatch | Nom. | [51] | |
| 10 | USA | Trinity Rodman | Nom. | [52] | |
| 11 | USA | Ashley Sanchez | Nom. | [53] | |
| 12 | USA | Tara McKeown | Won | [54] | |
| Wk. | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Won | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | USA | Aubrey Kingsbury | Nom. | [55] | |
Transactions
Draft selections
Draft selections are not automatically signed to the team roster. The 2023 NWSL Draft was held on January 12, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| Round | Pick | Pos. | Nat. | Player | College | Status | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 26 | ENG | Nicole Douglas | Arizona State | Signed to a two-year contract and rostered as a midfielder. | [56] | |
| 28 | USA | Lyza Bosselmann | Gonzaga | Signed to a two-year contract with an option for a third year. | [56] | ||
| 30 | PAN | Riley Tanner | Alabama | Signed to a two-year contract with an option for a third year and rostered as a midfielder. | [56] | ||
| 34 | USA | Lena Silano | Long Beach State | Signed to a two-year contract with an option for a third year. | [56] | ||
| 4 | 37 | USA | Civana Kuhlmann | Colorado | Signed to a two-year contract with an option for a third year. | [56] | |
| 40 | USA | Delaney Graham | Duke | Not signed; recovering from surgery. | [56] | ||
Contracts
| Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2022 | USA | Taylor Aylmer | Contract option declined. | [57] | |
| USA | Alia Martin | ||||
| USA | Averie Collins | Contract expired. | |||
| CAN | Devon Kerr | [57][58] | |||
 MEX | Karina Rodríguez | [57][59] | |||
| USA | Audrey Harding | [60] | |||
| Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2022 | USA | Sam Staab | Contract option exercised. | [57] | |
| USA | Jordan Baggett | ||||
| USA | Dorian Bailey | ||||
| USA | Bayley Feist | ||||
| USA | Anna Heilferty | ||||
| USA | Maddie Elwell | ||||
| USA | Tara McKeown | ||||
| November 30, 2022 | IRL | Marissa Sheva | Re-signed to a one-year contract. | [61][62] | |
| December 8, 2022 | USA | Tori Huster | Re-signed to a one-year contract. | [63] | |
| December 12, 2022 | CAN | Gabrielle Carle | Re-signed to a two-year contract with an option for a third year. | [61][64] | |
| December 13, 2022 | USA | Camryn Biegalski | Re-signed to a one-year contract. | [61][65] | |
| December 19, 2022 | USA | Amber Brooks | Free agent re-signed to a one-year contract. | [61][66] | |
| December 22, 2022 | USA | Nicole Barnhart | Free agent re-signed to a one-year contract. | [61][67] | |
| January 16, 2023 | USA | Sam Staab | Signed to a new three-year contract, replacing her previous contract. | [68] | |
| January 17, 2023 | USA | Anna Heilferty | Signed to a new two-year contract with a team option for an additional year, replacing her previous contract. | [69] | |
| January 18, 2023 | USA | Jordan Baggett | Signed to a new two-year contract, replacing her previous contract. | [61][70] | |
| January 19, 2023 | USA | Tara McKeown | Re-signed to a three-year contract with an option for a fourth year. | [61][71] | |
| January 30, 2023 | USA | Aubrey Kingsbury | Signed to a new three-year contract with an option for a fourth year. | [61][72] | |
| February 17, 2023 | USA | Dorian Bailey | Signed to a new three-year contract, replacing her existing contract expiring after the 2023 season. | [73] | |
| June 20, 2023 | CAN | Gabrielle Carle | Signed a new three-year contract with an option for an additional year, modifying her existing contract signed in 2022. | [74] | |
| USA | Ashley Hatch | Contract option for 2024 exercised. | [75] | ||
| USA | Andi Sullivan | Signed a new three-year contract with an option for an additional year, replacing her previous contract expiring in 2023. | [76] | ||
Transfers
| Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Former club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 7, 2023 | FRA | Inès Jaurena | Olympique Lyon |
Signed a one-year contract as a free agent. | [61][7][8] | |
| March 3, 2023 | USA | Chloe Ricketts | AFC Ann Arbor |
Signed a three-year contract as an under-18 player, with an option for a fourth year. | [61][9] | |
| June 28, 2023 | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} VEN | Mariana Speckmaier |  Valur |
Signed a short-term national team replacement contract. | [34] | |
| USA | Jordan Thompson | Gonzaga Bulldogs | ||||
| June 30, 2023 | FRA | Ouleymata Sarr | Paris FC |
Signed a three-year contract as a free transfer. | [32] | |
| July 5, 2023 | FRA | Annaïg Butel | Paris FC |
Free transfer; Signed a two-year contract through 2024 with an option for an additional year. | [36][77] |
| Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Destination club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2023 | USA | Jordan Baggett | Racing Louisville FC |
Traded in exchange for a second-round pick and conditional third-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft. | [61][78] | |
Retirements
| Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2022 | USA | Gaby Vincent | [79] | |
References
- ↑ "Season Preview: Washington Spirit" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. March 23, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Hruby, Emma (January 24, 2023). "Former Spirit coach Kris Ward banned indefinitely from NWSL". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Goff, Steven (June 14, 2022). "Washington Spirit hires Mark Krikorian to oversee soccer operations". Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Names Dawn Scott Senior Director of Performance, Medical and Innovation" (Press release). Washington Spirit. November 1, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ↑ Elliott, Annie (November 8, 2022). "Washington Spirit hire Morinao Imaizumi as Player Development Coach". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Pittman, Sam (November 21, 2022). "Washington Spirit Names Mark Parsons New Head Coach" (Press release). Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- 1 2 "Washington Spirit Signs Midfielder Inès Jaurena" (Press release). Washington Spirit. February 7, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- 1 2 "Départ d'Inès Jaurena" [Departure of Inès Jaurena] (Press release) (in French). Olympique Lyonnais. January 29, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- 1 2 Jackson, Wilton (March 3, 2023). "NWSL's Spirit Sign Youngest Player in League History". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Wave's Barcenas becomes youngest-ever contracted NWSL player at 15". Reuters. March 22, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Administrator, System (March 1, 2023). "Washington Spirit Unveils New Kit and Crest Colors for 2023 Season » Washington Spirit". Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit owner says possible rebrand plans 'in progress'". WTOP News. March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Numbers Only: Early Returns for the Spirit". The District Press. May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Second half strike from Williams separates Gotham FC from Washington" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. April 19, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Wickliffe, Greg (April 17, 2023). "Michigan teen soccer star Chloe Ricketts nearly scores in NWSL debut with Washington Spirit". MLive Media Group. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Higgins II, David M. (April 7, 2023). "Washington Spirit Hires Mami Yamaguchi as Assistant Coach". The Southern Maryland Chronicle. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Mami Yamaguchi Returns to AFC Ann Arbor as a Player-Coach for 2020". AFC Ann Arbor (Press release). January 7, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Carlisle, André (May 21, 2023). "Washington Spirit suffer their first regular defeat of the season, go down 1-2 to a rejuvenated Orlando Pride". The District Press. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington, Gotham continue good form with 1-1 draw at Audi Field" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ↑ Boutonnat, Victor (May 13, 2023). "Coupe de France féminine. Lyon prend le dessus sur le PSG et remporte sa 10e Coupe de France". Ouest-France. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ↑ "Spirit owner Michele Kang attends Lyon women's match, hoists trophy with team amid takeover reports". The Athletic. May 13, 2023.
- ↑ "OL Groupe and Michele Kang Form Global Multi-Team Women's Football Group" (Press release). Washington Spirit. May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ↑ Caron, Emily (May 16, 2023). "Spirit's Michele Kang adds Lyonnais Feminin to Women's Soccer Venture". Sportico. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ↑ Hess, AJ (May 16, 2023). "Spirit owner Michele Kang buys Lyon to build first international women's soccer empire". Fast Company. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ↑ Guillement, Hugo (May 16, 2023). "Michele Kang, nouvelle actionnaire majoritaire de l'OL féminin : " Il n'est pas question de changer l'OL "" [Michele Kang, new majority shareholder of OL Women: “There is no question of changing OL”]. L'Équipe (in French). Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ↑ Errigo, Michael (June 3, 2023). "Spirit strikes quickly vs. Racing Louisville but settles for another draw". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ↑ Charles, Michael (June 10, 2023). "Spirit finds some momentum by taking down scuffling Angel City FC". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ↑ Charles, Michael (June 14, 2023). "Stoppage-time goal saddles revamped Spirit with loss to North Carolina". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ↑ "Spirit Falls to Courage, 1-2, in First Challenge Cup Loss at Audi Field in Team History". OurSportsCentral (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 15, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ↑ Rantz, Susie (June 18, 2023). "Spirit come from 2 goals behind in 3-2 win over Current". Associated Press. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ↑ Peterson, Anne M. (June 23, 2023). "Smith's hat trick leads Thorns to 4-2 win over Spirit". Associated Press. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- 1 2 "Washington Spirit Signs French Forward Ouleymata Sarr" (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- 1 2 Charles, Michael. "July 1, 2023". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- 1 2 "Washington Spirit Signs Two National Team Replacement Players" (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 28, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ↑ Dabney, Jo (July 2, 2023). "The Spirit's 0-3 Loss to Orlando: Game Recap". The District Press. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- 1 2 "Spirit sign French D Annaig Butel to 2-year deal". MDJ. Field Level Media. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ↑ "Gameday". National Women's Soccer League. June 3, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ↑ Lowery, Joseph (June 12, 2023). "Your explainer on every NWSL team's tactical identity and style (in 100 words or less)". ESPN. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
- ↑ Fleming, Margaret (March 17, 2023). "The Washington Spirit are ready to move forward". The Equalizer. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Olsen, Emily (March 26, 2023). "Spirit owner Kang 'optimistic' about finding space for training facility". The Athletic. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Washington Spirit Announce Regional Broadcast Partnership" (Press release). Washington Spirit. March 30, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Front Office". Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ↑ "Technical Staff". Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ↑ "2023 Team Roster". Washington Spirit. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Defender Anna Heilferty to Miss 2023 Season with Injury" (Press release). Washington Spirit. February 25, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ Edler, Krysyan (March 6, 2023). "How Chloe Ricketts became the youngest player in the NWSL". Deseret News. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ↑ "2023 Washington Spirit Stats (NWSL)". FBref. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
- ↑ "National Women's Soccer League Announces March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ↑ "National Women's Soccer League Announces May Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Midfielder Paige Metayer Named June Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ↑ National Women's Soccer League [@nwsl] (April 3, 2023). "Get your votes in for the @budlight Player of the Week!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ↑ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 6, 2023). "So many incredible moments this week!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ↑ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 12, 2023). "Some absolutely incredible performances on the ballot for @budlight Player of the Week" (Tweet). Retrieved June 12, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ↑ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 20, 2023). "✨Dazzling performances✨" (Tweet). Retrieved June 20, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ↑ National Women's Soccer League [@nwsl] (April 25, 2023). "Save of the week is back! Cast your vote ✅" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Carlisle, André (March 8, 2023). "Washington Spirit sign six players, shuffle a few positions ahead of the 2023 NWSL season". The District Press. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 Pittman, Sam (November 15, 2022). "Washington Spirit Announces Offseason Roster Moves" (Press release). Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ↑ "Houston Dash sign goalkeeper Devon Kerr" (Press release). Houston Dynamo FC. January 6, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ↑ "Karina Rodríguez refuerza la defensa de América Femenil" [Karina Rodríguez reinforces the defense of América Femenil]. OneFootball (in Spanish). March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ↑ "Harding, Schneider Ink Deals with European Clubs" (Press release). UNC Wilmington Athletics. January 18, 2023. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "NWSL Transfer Tracker: 2022-23 Offseason". The Equalizer. October 17, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
- ↑ Elliott, Annie (December 1, 2022). "Washington Spirit sign Marissa Sheva to roster". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Re-Signs Co-Captain Tori Huster" (Press release). Washington Spirit. December 8, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ Carlisle, André (December 12, 2022). "Washington Spirit sign Canadian international Gabrielle Carle". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Carlisle, André (December 14, 2022). "Washington Spirit re-sign defender Camryn Biegalski". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Spirit re-sign D Amber Brooks to one-year deal". The Sporting Tribune. Field Level Media. December 19, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Anderson, Jason (January 31, 2022). "Washington Spirit sign goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs Defender Sam Staab to New Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. January 16, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs Defender Anna Heilferty to New Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. January 17, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs Midfielder Jordan Baggett to New Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. January 18, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Elliott, Annie (January 20, 2023). "Official: Tara McKeown extends Washington Spirit contract". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ Carlisle, André (January 30, 2023). "Official: Aubrey Kingsbury extends contract with Washington Spirit". Black And Red United. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs Midfielder Dorian Bailey to New Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. February 16, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs Defender Gabrielle Carle to Extended Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Exercises Option on Forward Ashley Hatch's Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs Midfielder Andi Sullivan to New Contract" (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs French Defender Annaïg Butel". Washington Spirit. July 6, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ↑ Elliott, Annie (April 25, 2023). "Washington Spirit trade Jordan Baggett to Racing Louisville for future draft picks". The District Press. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ↑ MacRae, Mairead (January 31, 2023). ""We're Breaking Down Barriers": Gaby Vincent On Embarking On a New Career and Making Soccer More Inclusive for Black Women and Girls" (Press release). DC SCORES. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
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