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.
Founded | 2012 as D.C. United Women | ||
---|---|---|---|
Stadium | Audi Field Washington, D.C. | ||
Capacity | 20,000 | ||
Owner | Michele Kang | ||
General manager | Mark Krikorian | ||
Head coach | Vacant | ||
League | National Women's Soccer League | ||
2023 | 8th of 12 | ||
Website | Club 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.[2] 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.[3] Bill Lynch, the original Washington Spirit's owner when the National Women's Soccer League launched in 2013,[4] sold the majority of the team to tech executive Steve Baldwin in late 2018.[5][6] Several other minority investors have since been added to the ownership group—Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea Clinton, daughters of U.S. presidents; Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Dominique Dawes; and most recently (May 2021) Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin.[7]
Inaugural 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 FC.[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]
2017–2021
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 FC 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 Torres on the technical staff. The announcement also noted local tech executive Steve Baldwin had become the Spirit's new majority owner.[26]
The 2019 Washington Spirit season marked several changes for the Spirit organization. Owner Steve Baldwin outlined several planned improvements including theme nights for fans, pride night, a gear store in the stadium, and a mascot.[27] 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.[28] 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.
In September 2021, Burke was fired as head coach following an investigation into allegations of harassment and abusive behavior towards players.[29][30] CEO Steve Baldwin was also accused of nepotism and retaliatory behavior, leading to fellow co-owner Michele Kang to call for him to step down and sell his ownership interest in the team.[30] Fans and Spirit players alike echoed this sentiment.[31] On October 14, 2021, the Washington Post reported that Steve Baldwin had announced to club investors that he intended to sell the club.[32] Kang officially became majority owner of the Spirit on March 30, 2022.[33][34]
The Spirit won their first NWSL Championship on Saturday November 20, 2021, when they defeated the Chicago Red Stars, 2–1 in extra-time at Lynnn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.[35]
2022 - Present, Michele Kang Ownership
On December 20, 2021, the Spirit announced that interim head coach Kris Ward would become the team's permanent head coach.[36] On August 22, 2022, the Spirit fired Ward after a 1–6–9 record to start the 2022 season.[37] Assistant coach Angela Salem managed the team's match in Houston on August 27 before the club hired Albertin Montoya as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[38] The Spirit posted a 2-3-0 record in it final five matches under Montoya.
On November 21, 2022, the Spirit announced Mark Parsons as the club's next head coach. Parsons previously served in the role for the Spirit's first three seasons of existence from 2013 through 2015.[39]
The Spirit started the season strong, collecting a league-high 23 points through their first 12 games. However, they would go on to win only 1 of their remaining 10 games (1W - 4D - 5L), landing them in eighth place at the end of the season, one point below the playoff line. Defender Sam Staab collected her record-tying 3rd (and second consecutive) iron women season, playing every minute of the Spirit's 22 game season.[40] On October 17, 2023, two days following the team's final defeat against North Carolina Courage, Mark Parsons was relieved of his duties[41] as the Spirit's head coach after one season.[42]
Ownership
Michele Kang has been the Spirit's majority and managing owner since March 30, 2022, after joining the ownership group in December 2020.[33][43]
On May 16, 2023, Kang and OL Groupe, the holding company of Olympique Lyonnais, announced the formation of a separate entity that would be composed of the Spirit and French women's top-division club Olympique Lyonnais 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 the approval of the NWSL and French regulators. To avoid conflicts of interest, OL Groupe would sell its NWSL club, OL Reign.[44][45][46][47]
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."[48]
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.[49]
In March 2023, the team unveiled a new chrome crest and new colors of black and white for the season.[50] The updated visual identity is part of a rebrand in progress.[51]
Stadium
The Maryland SoccerPlex, located in Germantown, Maryland, was home to the Washington Spirit beginning with the inaugural 2013 season.[52] 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 FC. The match registered the team's highest attended game and was viewed as a means to generate more interest in the team.[53] During the 2019 season, the team announced it would host two home matches at Audi Field.[54]
On November 12, 2019, the team announced that in the 2020 season, the 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-19 restrictions, the Spirit played two home matches at Segra Field in 2020. Beginning in 2021, the Spirit split all home matches between Audi Field and Segra Field.[55] although the club still planned to hold at least one preseason game a year at the SoccerPlex after 2020.[56]
On December 6, 2022, the club announced it had reached a deal with D.C. United to become a full-time tenant at Audi Field, playing its full home schedules at the Buzzard Point venue starting with the 2023 season. In addition, the team has relocated its training facilities to United Performance Center in Leesburg, Virginia.[57]
Season | Stadium | Location | Capacity |
---|---|---|---|
2013–2019 | Maryland SoccerPlex | Germantown, Maryland | 4,000[52] |
2018–present | Audi Field | Washington, D.C. | 20,000[58] |
2020–2022 | 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.[59] 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."[60]
Rose Room Collective is an independent supporter group for the Washington Spirit and D.C. United by and for people of color (POC). They were founded on a strong desire to have a supporter group in the D.C. area with a more targeted approach to including and amplifying the voices of POC.[61]
In February 2021, The Washington Post reported that Chelsea Clinton, Jenna Bush Hager, Dominique Dawes and Brianna Scurry were part of an investment group investing in the team.[62][63]
Broadcasting
In 2020, broadcast rights for NWSL matches was consolidated at the league level. Washington Spirit matches are broadcast on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and Twitch. International streaming began in 2021 via geolocked feeds on Twitch.
At the beginning of the 2019 season the Spirit announced a broadcast partnership with NBC Sports Washington and Monumental Sports Network.[64]
As of April 2017, Washington Spirit games are streamed exclusively by Go90 for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.[65] For the 2017 season, the Spirit will be featured in three nationally televised Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week broadcasts on April 22,[66] June 17, and August 19, 2017.[67]
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.[68]
Players
Current squad
- As of August 18, 2023.[69]
No. | Pos. | Player | Nation |
---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Aubrey Kingsbury | United States |
2 | FW | Trinity Rodman | United States |
3 | DF | Sam Staab | United States |
5 | DF | Annaïg Butel | France |
7 | MF | Inès Jaurena | France |
8 | FW | Ouleymata Sarr | France |
9 | DF | Tara McKeown | United States |
10 | MF | Ashley Sanchez | United States |
12 | MF | Andi Sullivan | United States |
13 | MF | Bayley Feist | United States |
14 | DF | Gabby Carle | Canada |
16 | DF | Maddie Elwell | United States |
17 | MF | Nicole Douglas | England |
18 | GK | Lyza Bosselmann | United States |
19 | DF | Dorian Bailey | United States |
20 | FW | Civana Kuhlmann | United States |
21 | DF | Anna Heilferty | United States |
22 | DF | Amber Brooks | United States |
23 | MF | Tori Huster | United States |
24 | FW | Lena Silano | United States |
25 | MF | Marissa Sheva | Republic of Ireland |
26 | MF | Paige Metayer | United States |
27 | MF | Riley Tanner | Panama |
28 | GK | Nicole Barnhart | United States |
30 | DF | Camryn Biegalski | United States |
33 | FW | Ashley Hatch | United States |
37 | DF | Jordan Thompson | United States |
39 | MF | Chloe Ricketts | United States |
Staff
Current staff
Position | Name |
---|---|
General manager | Mark Krikorian |
Head coach | Mark Parsons |
Assistant coach | Angela Salem |
Director of player personnel and assistant coach | Mike Bristol |
Vice president of performance, medical, and innovation | Dawn Scott |
Player development coach | Morinao Imaizumi |
Player development coach and assistant coach | Mami Yamaguchi |
Head coaches
- As of May 6, 2022
Name | Nat. | Tenure | M | W | D | L | Win % | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mike Jorden | April 6, 2012 – July 1, 2013 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 9.1% | First head coach[14][73] | |
Mark Parsons | July 1, 2013 – September 30, 2015 | 57 | 20 | 13 | 24 | 35.1% | [14][18] | |
Jim Gabarra | October 14, 2015 – August 21, 2018 | 65 | 19 | 11 | 31 | 29.2% | [24] | |
Tom Torres | August 21, 2018 – December 27, 2018 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.0% | Interim head coach[26][24] | |
Richie Burke | December 27, 2018 – August 10, 2021 | 50 | 19 | 14 | 17 | 38.0% | [26][74] | |
Kris Ward | August 10, 2021 – August 22, 2022 | 36 | 12 | 17 | 7 | 33.3% | Interim head coach until December 21, 2021[36][37] | |
Angela Salem | August 27, 2022 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0% | Acting head coach for one game[75] | |
Albertin Montoya | September 2, 2022 – November 21, 2022 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 40.0% | Interim head coach[76][77] | |
Mark Parsons (2) | November 21, 2022 – present | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 42.86% | [77] | |
Honors
Award Winners
Most Valuable Player
Golden Boot
Goalkeeper of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Best XI First Team
- Ashley Hatch: 2021
- Trinity Rodman: 2021
- Aubrey Bledsoe: 2019
- Crystal Dunn: 2015
- Ali Krieger: 2014
- Diana Matheson: 2013
Best XI Second Team
Year-by-year
Year | League | Regular Season | P | W | D | L | Pts | Playoffs | Challenge Cup | Top scorer | Avg. attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | NWSL | 8th Place | 22 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 14 | did not qualify | — | Diana Matheson (8) | 3,620 |
2014 | NWSL | 4th Place | 24 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 35 | Semi-Finals | Jodie Taylor (11) | 3,335 | |
2015 | NWSL | 4th Place | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 30 | Semi-Finals | Crystal Dunn (15) | 4,087 | |
2016 | NWSL | 2nd Place | 20 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 39 | Final | Estefanía Banini (5) | 3,782 | |
2017 | NWSL | 10th Place | 24 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 19 | did not qualify | Mallory Pugh (6) | 3,491 | |
2018 | NWSL | 8th Place | 24 | 2 | 5 | 17 | 11 | did not qualify | Ashley Hatch (4) | 3,892 | |
2019 | NWSL | 5th Place | 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 34 | did not qualify | Ashley Hatch (7) | 6,138 | |
2020 | NWSL | 3rd Place | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | N/A | Quarterfinals | Bayley Feist (1) | N/A[lower-alpha 1] |
2021 | NWSL | 3rd Place | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 39 | Champions | 4th Place East Division |
Ashley Hatch (10) | 4,096 |
2022 | NWSL | 11th Place | 22 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 19 | did not qualify | Runner-Up | Ashley Hatch (9) | 6,222 |
- Season played behind closed doors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
See also
References
- "Washington Spirit Announces Reserves Coaching Staff and Roster" (Press release). Washington Spirit. May 17, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- "U.S. Soccer to announce new women's professional league today". Leagues. Soccer Wire. November 21, 2012. Archived from the original on April 28, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Kassouf, Jeff. "New DC team named Washington Spirit". Equalizer Soccer. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- Goff, Steve (October 10, 2018). "Washington Spirit owner in talks about selling majority share of NWSL club". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
- "Washington Spirit owner Steve Baldwin: Pay women players more than men – The Washington Post". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 14, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- "Offseason of Change Brings Optimism for Washington Spirit". Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- Kaplan, Emily (May 9, 2021). "Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin becoming investor in NWSL's Washington Spirit". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
- "NWSL allocation easier said than done". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 2, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
- "Player distribution sees NWSL take shape". FIFA. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
- Bell, Jack (January 11, 2013). "New Women's League Allocates Players". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- "NWSL Supplemental Draft results". The Equalizer. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- "Washington Spirit focused on offense during the NWSL Supplemental Draft". NWSL News. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- "Breakers come back to draw with Washington". Boston Breakers. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Sean Sedam (July 1, 2013). "Washington Spirit Fire Coach Mike Jorden". Germantown Patch. Archived from the original on April 23, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- "MATHESON PENALTY NOT ENOUGH TO OVERCOME THE REIGN". Washington Spirit. September 6, 2015. Archived from the original on September 18, 2015. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- "WASHINGTON SPIRIT FALLS TO SEATTLE REIGN FC 3–0 IN HARD FOUGHT SEMIFINAL". Washington Spirit. September 14, 2015. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- "Spirit forward Crystal Dunn wins 2015 Golden Boot". Washington Spirit. September 7, 2015. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- Steven Goff (September 30, 2015). "Mark Parsons steps down as Washington Spirit coach and GM". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- Steven Goff (October 14, 2015). "Soccer Insider Jim Gabarra named coach, general manager of Washington Spirit". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- Alexandra Grant (October 18, 2016). "Washington Spirit 2016 NWSL season review". Vavel. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- Emily Kesel (October 24, 2017). "2017 NWSL season review: Washington Spirit". Vavel. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- "Washington Spirit acquires U.S. Women's National Team forward Mallory Pugh". Washington Spirit. May 13, 2017. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
- Emily Kesel (October 24, 2017). "2017 NWSL season review: Washington Spirit". vavel.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
- "Washington Spirit parts ways with head coach and general manager Jim Gabarra". August 21, 2018. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- "Washington Spirit finally score, but have to settle for 1–1 draw with Sky Blue FC". Washington Spirit. August 25, 2018. Archived from the original on September 3, 2018. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
- Goff, Steven (December 27, 2018). "NWSL's Washington Spirit hires Richie Burke as head coach". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 4, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- sambishopcws (April 9, 2019). "A Statement from our new Ownership Group member – Steve Baldwin". Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
- Cavalier, Mason (July 3, 2019). "How every new player has contributed to the Spirit's resurgent season". Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on July 9, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
- Fels, Sam (August 12, 2021). "Now we may know why Richie Burke is no longer coaching the Washington Spirit". Deadspin. Deadspin. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
- Grannam, Cydney (September 28, 2021). "Washington Spirit Coach Fired After Investigation Into Verbal Abuse". DCist. Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- "Steve Baldwin resigns from Spirit CEO/Managing Partner position". www.blackandredunited.com. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- Henslley-Clancy, Molly (October 14, 2021). "Washington Spirit owner Steve Baldwin says he plans to sell stake in club as NWSL fallout continues". Archived from the original on October 15, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- Maurer, Pablo (March 30, 2022). "Michele Kang officially majority owner of Spirit". The Athletic. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
- "Spirit's Michele Kang becomes first woman of color to own NWSL team". The Washington Post. March 30, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
- "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". Archived from the original on November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- Small, Jordan (August 24, 2020). "Name Kris Ward Permanent Head Coach" (Press release). Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
- Vertelney, Seth (August 22, 2022). "Washington Spirit abruptly fire head coach Kris Ward". Pro Soccer Wire. USA Today. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- "Washington Spirit Names Albertin Montoya Interim Head Coach". Washington Spirit. September 2, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
- "Washington Spirit Names Mark Parsons New Head Coach" (Press release). Washington Spirit. November 21, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
- "Washington Spirit's Sam Staab ties NWSL Iron Woman record". Her Football Hub. October 20, 2022. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- Diamond, Drew (October 18, 2023). "Washington Spirit sack Mark Parsons after second stint in charge". Her Football Hub. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
- "Head Coach Mark Parsons Will Not Return to Washington Spirit for 2024 Season" (Press release). Washington Spirit. October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- Small, Jordan (December 29, 2020). "Y. Michele Kang Joins Washington Spirit Ownership Group » Washington Spirit" (Press release). Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 16, 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.
- "Spirit unveil new logo with a lot of meaning". Washington Spirit. January 30, 2013. Archived from the original on February 13, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- Linehan, Meg. "Washington Spirit revamp logo, add more VIP seats". Equalizer Soccer. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- Administrator, System (March 1, 2023). "Washington Spirit Unveils New Kit and Crest Colors for 2023 Season » Washington Spirit".
- "Washington Spirit unveil 2023 home and away kits amid future rebrand". The District Press. March 2, 2023.
- "Washington Spirit Pro Team". Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Jason Anderson (August 25, 2018). ""Excited" Washington Spirit hoping game at Audi Field is a long-term boost". Black and Red United. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- Steven Goff (April 4, 2019). "Washington Spirit set to play a pair of matches at Audi Field". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- Goff, Steven (November 8, 2019). "Washington Spirit to split home matches among three venues next season". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 11, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
- Anderson, Jason (November 12, 2019). "Washington Spirit to split 2020 NWSL season between 3 stadium". Black & Red United. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
- "Washington Spirit to play 2020 games at Audi Field, Segra Field and the Maryland SoccerPlex" (Press release). Washington Spirit. November 12, 2019. Archived from the original on November 18, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- "Audi Field". dcunited.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- "About the Squadron". Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
- "NWSL Supporters Groups ready for the season to start". NWSL News. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- "Rose Room Collective". /www.roseroomcollective.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
- Polacek, Scott. "Report: Chelsea Clinton, Jenna Bush Hager Among New Investors in NWSL's Spirit". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- Goff, Steven. "Chelsea Clinton, Jenna Bush Hager among several new Washington Spirit investors". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- Casteel, Quinn (January 30, 2019). "Washington Spirit, Monumental Sports Network and NBC Sports Washington Announce Broadcast Partnership". Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
- "NWSL, go90 announce exclusive streaming partnership". Black and Red United (SBNation). Vox Media. April 13, 2017. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
- "S2017 E2 Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit". Lifetime. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- "NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime schedule". National Women's Soccer League. April 16, 2017. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- "WNT on TV: Washington Spirit vs Chicago Red Stars". US Soccer. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- "2023 Team Roster". Washington Spirit. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- "Front Office". Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on June 23, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- "Technical Staff » Washington Spirit". Washington Spirit. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- "Dawn Scott on the Spirit's New Performance, Medical and Innovation Department" (Press release). Washington Spirit. January 23, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- "D.C. United Women Name Mike Jorden First Head Coach". Washington Spirit. April 6, 2012. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- "Richie Burke Re-assigned to Spirit Front Office". Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- Pittman, Sam (August 28, 2022). "Mike Bristol Added to Spirit Technical Staff » Washington Spirit".
- Pittman, Sam (September 2, 2022). "Washington Spirit Names Albertin Montoya Interim Head Coach » Washington Spirit".
- Herrera, Sandra (November 21, 2022). "Former Netherlands boss Mark Parsons returns to Washington Spirit to take head coaching job". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
External links
- Official website
- Washington Spirit at FBref.com