NWSL: Washington Spirit – 2017 Season Preview
They almost won it all in 2016. Even with some key departures, the players have what it takes to become the first NWSL team to make the playoffs in four consecutive seasons.
Once in the playoffs, the Washington Spirit most likely have suffered too many key departures to make it all the way to the title. But they will surely show the fans a great time and be a top team to contender with!
We look back at 2016 for the Spirit, their transfer activity this offseason, predict the starting XI for opening day and how they will fare at season’s end.
2016 Recap
Record: 12-5-3.
Finishing Position: 2nd.
Post-season: Lost the championship game to Western New York Flash (now the North Carolina Courage).
After the Spirit finished the season with 39 points, they missed out on the title in the final seconds. However, what causes the Washington Spirit to lose some momentum going into 2017 is their key departures. No team in the NWSL is having to deal with replacing what the Spirit have to – perhaps not even half.
Key Players Returning
- M Tori Huster
- G Stephanie Labbé
- M Joanna Lohman
- F Francisca Ordega
- G Klsey Wys
- D Shelina Zadorsky
Key Departures
- F Estefania Banini (Valencia)
- F Crystal Dunn (FA WSL 1)
- D Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride)
- F Diana Matheson (Seattle Reign)
- M Christine Nairn (Seattle Reign)
- D Megan Oyster (Boston Breakers)
Additions
- M Kristie Newis (Boston Breakers)
- D Kassey Kallman (Boston Breakers)
- M Havana Solaun (Seattle Reign)
- F Lindsay Agnew (Ohio State)
- M Meggie Dougherty-Howard (Florida)
- M Cameron Castleberry (North Carolina)
Projected Starters (4-3-3)
2017 Prediction
Head Coach Jim Gabarra assures Washington Spirit fans that the players have done what it takes during the off-season to build on their near-miss at the NWSL championship.
"Gabarra on season: “We’ve overcome a lot and we’ve gotten a lot done during the preseason. We’re looking forward to getting off to a good start as we did last season, and ending up where we did last season, but with a different result.”"
The different result Gabarra talks about was the Spirit’s near-miss at last year’s championship vs. the West New York Flash, who have since changed locations and names this season, becoming the Carolina Courage.
The NWSL schedule makers did everyone a favor, in making them the Spirit’s first opponent this coming weekend.
The Washington players will make good on Coach Gabarra’s expectations, at least enough to set the consecutive playoffs record in the NWSL with four. But they have too much to overcome this season for a championship.
2017 Finishing Position: Fourth.