2015 NWSL Season Preview: Washington Spirit
Aug 18, 2013; Boyds, MD, USA; Washington Spirit midfielder Diana Matheson (8) shoots the ball against the Sky Blue FC during the second half at the Maryland Soccerplex Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Looking Ahead to the 2015 NWSL Season
Keeping in mind the ACL injury to Diana Matheson (CAN) and the reluctance of the Mexican federation’s commitment to the NWSL, it’s unclear just how much time the (non-US) allocated players will spend playing for the Spirit this year, if at all. Matheson will likely suit up for Canada in June if medically cleared, and Veronica Perez and Romero have national team commitments that will likely keep them out of DC until well into the month of July.
Crystal Dunn, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger (all likely roster choices for Jill Ellis’ USWNT squad this summer) are each expected to be available for several games in the pre-World Cup period. My guess is between three and four: the season opener in Houston (April 10), the home opener against FC Kansas City (April 18), and the April 26 match against Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. It’s also feasible, based on the dates of the send-off series, that they could see time in Seattle (May 2) and/or in Western New York (May 23).
Speaking of the opening match of the 2015 NWSL season, Houston has a similar story: they too ended their inaugural year at the bottom of the table, and have had an incredibly busy off-season. Of particular interest are how new acquisitions like Carli Lloyd, Stephanie Roche, and the 2015 number-one draft pick Morgan Brian will be combined for well-regarded head coach Randy Waldrum.
Washington will next take on the University of Virginia on March 28th, and UNC Chapel Hill on April 4th. Will the Washington Spirit find their way into the playoffs again this season? Let us know what you think in the comments.