Ella & André tag team to preview the Washington Spirit's semifinal versus NJ/NY Gotham FC! But first, we review the news of three Spirit players being nominated for end-of-year awards. We discuss their impact, and the adorable way in which the news was broken to the players by Andi Sullivan. Then we get into previewing the massive upcoming match. We look at past results and why you probably shouldn't read too much into them. We spotlight players to watch (including the returning...

Annie, Ella & André are still in awe of the Washington Spirit's quarterfinal win over Bay FC! It wasn't the best the team can play, but the problem-solving Spirits—comprised of several rookies—withstood a dangerous opponent, then fought back to win in front of the rowdiest Audi we've ever seen or heard! We talk about why Bay caused the Spirit so many problems, what they did to adjust, the Alyssa Malonson of it all, Tara McKeown being a CB and forward all-in-one, and Trinity Rodman...

Annie, Ella & André start off with a message about the present climate we find ourselves in, and how much more important this community is right now. Then we dive into previewing the Spirits upcoming playoff scrap with Bay FC! We look at some parallels between the teams, including big midseason changes, a loss of key players, and dynamic players stepping up to do dynamic things. After, we dive into the matchup, where the Spirit can have success, and where they need to be cautious. We...

Annie, Ella & André recap the Spirits becoming the first team to beat North Carolina at home this season. We review the performance, the rookie midfield, Ashley Hatch continuing to score goals, and Trinity Rodman getting back to herself. Then we take a moment to review the season overall, including all the changes to the team, and how the Spirit managed them all to make history. Annie has incredible stats on Spirit goalscorers, and AUbrey Kingsbury provides important perspective heading...

Annie, Ella & André recap another strong performance from a more complete but still new-look Spirits squad. Heather Stainbrook's opening goal meant that every rookie has scored this season. We review how important they've all been, and the one trait they all seem to share that makes them unique, and effective. We also chat about the new midfield showing variation through some different roles, Makenna Morris continuing her goal streak, and Trinity Rodman looking a bit more like Trinity...

Annie, Ella & André recap yet another magical night at Audi! A new look XI dominated the game against a playoff-desperate Racing Louisville, and put up four goals in the process. We discuss each strike (including Makenna's thunderblast), Rose Kouassi's breakout game, Hal Hershfelt as a lone 6, and playing for Andi. Then we discuss potential playoff scenarios, history potentially repeating itself, and a look ahead at next weekend's home game against the Chicago Red Stars. Please...

Annie, Ella and André discuss the ultra cruel 2-0 loss to Orlando Pride that clinched them their first ever NWSL Shield. Then, things got a lot worse. We begin with a discussion about Andi Sullivan being stretchered off the pitch, and hope beyond hope that it's not as serious as it seemed. Then we review a depleted Spirits side showing a lot of fight and ability to execute a vastly different gameplan. We also discuss the curious center back decision and cruelest of deflections which led to...

Annie, Ella & André review the Washington Spirit's 2-1 win over a desperate Angel City. We discuss the depleted lineup, how important it was that the team found other ways to generate goals, and the dubious decision to give Hal Hershfelt her fifth yellow of the season. We also demand that Dawn Scott be credited with a hockey assist for Ashley Hatch's goal, marvel at Makenna Morris' chipped finish, shoutout Rose Kouassi, Gabby Carle and Tara McKeown, plus we dissect Aubrey Kingsbury's...

Annie, Ella & André started a podcast to talk about the Washington Spirit and well sometimes that means you have to talk about the Washington Spirit when they lose 3-0 and things went from bad to worse to whatever is beyond that (maybe?). We break down what went wrong against Kansas City, how the Spirit struggled with a low block, and short corners. Then we move on to discuss Tara McKeown's new contract, and what it means for her career path. After that we preview Friday night's match...

Annie, Ella & André review a mighty comfortable 3-0 win over Houston Dash. We discuss Esme Morgan's debut and quality on the ball, Ashley Hatch's brace, Trinity Rodman being unreal (#GoToGames), and Tara McKeown revisiting familiar territory. Then we drop our chat with Makenna Morris, who joined us just hours after her new contract was announced. We talk to Morris about her decision to re-sign and why she didn't test free agency, benefits and challenges of versatility, how many books...

Annie & André react to the Washington Spirit's second half come-from-behind 2-1 win at Rowdy Audi! We discuss a surprise starting XI, creating (but missing) lots of chances, Ouleye Sarr's injury, Trinity Rodman's goal and elite celly, Leicy Santos' stoppage time match winner, Magic Johnson, and more! Then we preview the upcoming match against the Houston Dash, and André gives a gentle warning to Spirit players to avoid getting Tarciane'd. Please subscribe, rate, and...

In this special episode, Annie, Ella & André welcome Washington Spirit forward Ashley Hatch back on the pod! Ashley Hatch was part of the bargaining committee that solidified a second landmark NWSL CBA. She tells us what negotiations were like, when and where it got contentious, why the players fought for such big changes, and tells a great story about a mic drop moment that helped secure a major win. We also chat with her about The Ditto Podcast, a new show she cohosts once a week,...

Annie, Ella & André discuss a very frustrating 1-1 draw in San Diego. We discuss Croix Bethune, missed chances, and Naomi Girma being in the way. It wasn't all bad though, we also chat about some bright spots, including Trinity Rodman having a terrific game. Then we dive into free agency from a Spirit perspective, and discuss all the players who could be gone before next season. We also discuss the upcoming match versus Portland, and where the Spirit might find success, and hopefully...

Annie, Ella & André are full of thoughts, observations and opinions after the Spirit's 4-1 dismantling of the previous #2 team in the league. We dissect key moments from the game, starting with the XI, which featured the return of the USWNT gold medalists, Leicy Santos making her NWSL debut, and Paige Metayer at right back! We talk about the goals, the swapping of positions, Metayer's player of the match performance, Trinity Rodman's left foot, Croix Bethune tying a record, and...

Annie, Ella & André chat about the Spirit's match with Arsenal, and the subsequent trolling (or maybe not??) from our friends across the pond. We give our first impressions of new Spirits, Leicy Santos and Rosemonde Kouassi. We also discuss Ashley Hatch's role, and where she might fit in among a crowded forward group. Then we look ahead to the NWSL season restarting by breaking down a massive welcome back with the Kansas City Current coming to town. We discuss what they do well, but...

Annie, Ella & André talk about an incredible, and incredibly chaotic, Olympic tournament. We review how the tournament went for all six Spirit players, then discuss the Olympics from the opening ceremony to some of our favorite events! We also check-in on the new Spirits and how different the team might look once they get back to NWSL regular season play. We also discuss the upcoming friendly match versus Arsenal, the USL Super League, and whether some short-term Spirit signings showed...

Ella & André got to chat with one of the Washington Spirit's newest players, defender Esme Morgan! Esme talks to us about her journey into football, her path from boys teams to an academy to the pros, what the Lionesses winning the EUROs meant to England, what drew her to the Washington Spirit, an inside look at all that needs to be done with an int'l player transfer, figuring out her A/C unit, her thoughts on candy corn, and more. Please subscribe, rate, and...

Annie, Ella & André review the Spirit's emphatic 3-0 win over Bay FC! It was Jonatan Giráldez's first game, but Makenna Morris stole the show with a buffet style hat trick (goal, assist, earned penalty). We discuss why she was so successful, but Jona said about why she was part of his first NWSL XI. We also get into the Spirit finding a counter to their fullbacks being pushed deeper, plus Aubrey Kingsbury coming up clutch to preserve another clean sheet. Then, we preview the Summer Cup...

Annie, Ella & André react to the Washington Spirit's 0-1 loss versus North Carolina Courage. Audi still loves Ashley Sanchez, which was great to see, but she also scored the (Aubs-aided) only goal of the game, which was not so great to see! We review what may have gone wrong, and what made it so difficult for the Spirit to generate quality chances. It wasn't all bad though, we also talk about Makenna Morris's return to the pitch, Anaïg Butel's performance, and Tara McKeown protecting her...

Annie, Ella & André break down the Spirit's second 2-0 win over Gotham! We get into the lineup and goals, plus the red card that altered the match, as well as Aubrey Kingsbury having to work for her clean sheet. Then we highlight some quotes from Jonatan Giráldez's arrival and whirlwind press tour. We discuss the awkward team transition, and his plans to manage his midseason integration with the team. After that, we discuss Trinity Rodman's comments on Korbin Albert that were published...

Annie, Ella & André welcomed Chloe Ricketts to the pod! We talked about how she wasn't good at all at soccer when she first started playing, what went into her rapid improvement, which footballer she loves to watch most, her dog and the amazing story behind her name, teammate superlatives, and of course candy corn. Please subscribe, rate, and review! ==================== Follow Us on Twitter Pod -...

Annie, Ella & André review the Spirits first draw of the season, and why it felt like so much more. We talk about record attendance, Naomi Girma being incredible, Croix Bethune finding a way to be incredibler, Trinity Rodman having to do the referee's job for her, right back Hal Hershfelt, and a bunch of other Spirits stuff. We also do a mini-preview of this weekend's match with Gotham, who are a much different team than when we last saw (and beat) them. Please subscribe, rate, and...

Annie, Ella & André are back to review the Spirits 1-0 win over Utah Royals. We talk about the interesting lineup choice and Ashley Hatch playing in (yet another) unfamiliar position. We're also really happy for Weezy F. Golazo, but also think more goals are good and a thing we would like to see. Then we get into news about the potential timeline for Jonatan Giráldez and Leicy Santos's arrivals, and discuss the recently announces August matches involving Chelsea FCW and Arsenal WFC @...

It's an international break so Annie & André had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the Spirit's newest players, Brittany Ratcliffe! They talk about her path from dance to softball to soccer, her early days with the Boston Breakers, free agency, choosing the Spirit, scoring bangers, her trademark orange bow (including an excellent detail that shocked us mid-pod), and more! Please subscribe, rate, and review! ==================== Follow Us on Twitter Pod -...