2015 NWSL Season Preview: Washington Spirit

May 11, 2013; Boyds, MD, USA; Boston Breakers forward Sydney Leroux (2) chases the ball against Washington Spirit defender Ali Krieger (11) during the first half at the Maryland Soccerplex Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing 2013 NWSL campaign that included a midseason coaching change, the last-place Washington Spirit went through a rebuilding phase. Following a series of key off-season acquisitions, last year’s Spirit found themselves in the playoffs. Though they lost out to Seattle, the other bottom-dwelling team from that first year, Washington was true to its name, showing tremendous spirit in fighting through adversity and clawing their way into the 2014 post-season.

Since the untimely end of their run at the championship, head coach and club manager Mark Parsons, runner-up for 2014 Coach of the Year, has been busier than ever. Securing several proven international scorers and drafting defensively, this 2015 Spirit squad is shaping up to be even more exciting than last year’s, particularly when combined with some of the pieces that worked so well under Parson during his first full season as head coach.

Next: Off-Season Departures