In a season filled with remarkable achievements, the Washington Spirit’s quest for NWSL glory ended in heartbreak as they fell just short, losing 1-0 to the Orlando Pride in Saturday’s championship final. The narrow defeat capped off a bittersweet campaign for the Spirit, who matched the Pride’s record of 18 wins but finished second in the standings by a mere 4 points.
A Season to Remember
The Spirit’s 2024 season was one for the record books. Led by NWSL Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune, who tied the single-season assists record with 10 in just 17 games, Washington compiled a campaign that would have been good enough to win the NWSL Shield in any other year. Key contributors included:
- Midfielder Andi Sullivan, the team’s captain
- Forward Trinity Rodman, a rising global star
- Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, a penalty shootout hero
However, the team was plagued by injuries down the stretch, losing Bethune, Sullivan, and forward Ouleye Sarr to season-ending knocks. Rodman also battled a nagging back issue that limited her in the final.
Banda Proves the Difference
In a tight affair, it was Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda who made the difference, clinically finishing her lone clear chance in the 37th minute for the game’s only goal. Despite outshooting the Pride 26-9, the Spirit couldn’t find a way past Orlando’s staunch defense.
Honestly, I think we made one error and we got punished for it. They have world-class players, and they finished, and they deserved to win.
– Spirit defender Casey Krueger
Building for the Future
Despite the disappointing finale, the future looks bright for the Spirit. With head coach Jonathan Giraldez entering his first full offseason with the club, expectations are high for 2025. The 32-year-old, previously of Barcelona, is a rising star in the coaching ranks who guided Washington to the final in just half a season.
The Spirit also boast one of the NWSL’s most talented young cores. Bethune and Hershfelt, both already capped by the USWNT, are still just scratching the surface of their potential. Rodman, already one of the world’s best, is only entering her prime at 22.
Off the field, the Spirit’s ambitions are fueled by the deep pockets of owner Michele Kang, who took over in early 2022 in a record-breaking $35 million deal. Kang’s investment and drive to win bodes well for the Spirit’s chances of quickly bouncing back from this heartbreak.
As a group, we all love each other to absolute pieces and I think that’s probably why it hurts so much more, because we care so much. I really do believe that we’ll go one better next year.
– Spirit defender Esme Morgan
The Road Ahead
As the Spirit lick their wounds and begin preparations for 2025, they do so knowing they have the talent, resources, and leadership to remain a powerhouse in the rapidly evolving NWSL landscape. While this season ended in disappointment, Washington’s future remains undeniably bright.
With a roster brimming with young stars, a world-class coach at the helm, and an owner willing to invest heavily in the club’s success, the Spirit seem poised to contend for titles for years to come. For now, though, they’ll have to learn from the pain of falling just short – and use it as fuel for the challenges ahead.
