Washington Spirit: 3 questions for 2019 season

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 08: Mallory Pugh #11 of United States warms up before the game against the Mexico at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 8, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

The Washington Spirit were in second-to-last place this past season in the NWSL. Here are three questions for the team ahead of the 2019 season.

Editorial — Stanford University is well represented in the National Women’s Soccer League.

However, it’s bulk of players are calling the Washington Spirit home right now. Andi Sullivan, last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, moved on from Stanford to the Spirit. This year, in the NWSL College Draft, the Spirit picked up two more Stanford alums: midfielder Jordan DiBiasi and defender Tegan McGrady.

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With rumors surrounding Rebecca Quinn potentially leaving the club for Paris FC, Whitney Church’s exit from the club — potentially to Houston — and the trading of Caprice Dydasco and Estelle Johnson to Sky Blue FC, the Spirit defense is thin.

The only veteran defenders have one year of experience, as Megan Crosson signed with the team this past month and Mallory Eubanks looks to return for a second season. Meanwhile, Taylor Smith tore her ACL in Australia this past W-League season, so she will not compete in 2019.

Aside from Eubanks and Crosson, the defense will be brand new to the league.

McGrady was the second-highest defender for Washington picked in the draft. Meanwhile, head coach Richie Burke, in his first season with the Spirit, also picked up defender Samantha Staab from Clemson.

Here are some questions ahead of Washington’s upcoming season.

KANSAS CITY, MO – JUNE 17: Seattle Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe (15) before an NWSL match between the Seattle Reign FC and FC Kansas City on June 17, 2017 at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City, MO. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Can Washington’s defense handle veteran strikers?

Last season, Washington was second-to-last on the table.

Just barely ahead of Sky Blue FC, Washington battled a year of injuries, a head coaching change during the season and gave up 35 goals. With a young defense this year, Washington will have to get tough against veteran strikers.

The league is made up of some of the best strikers, including Marta, Christine Sinclair and Megan Rapinoe — just to name a few. The Washington defense will need to obtain peak fitness. Despite all three of those players being over the age of 30, they aren’t slowing down. Marta, Sinclair and Rapinoe are all goal-scoring machines, leading their teams every year.

Despite only entering their second season, Crosson and Eubanks must prepare for a leadership role. Aubrey Bledsoe, the team’s starting goalkeeper, will also need to direct and keep communication open with her defenders.

The leap from college soccer to the NWSL is large.

Despite having successful college careers, McGrady and Staab are going to have eye-opening experiences in the league this year. Washington might not be able to obtain a clean sheet every game, but as the season goes on, it’s up to the rookies to progress — and not be left behind.

Progress is vital for a rookie. While it’s up to Staab and McGrady to obtain and retain information about the league and progress, it’s up to their veteran teammates to help guide them.

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