The 2025 NWSL regular season continues with an exciting matchup as Washington Spirit, led by Trinity Rodman, host Chicago Stars FC and their star player Ludmila at Audi Field this Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with live broadcast available on CBS and Paramount+.
Currently in second place, the Spirit are 12 points behind the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Shield race, but are well-positioned for a postseason berth. With nine weeks left in the season, there`s ample opportunity to close the gap, and Washington is proving to be a strong contender against Kansas City for the league`s top spot.
Though Chicago Stars FC are near the bottom of the league standings, they arrive with impressive momentum, boasting a four-game unbeaten streak. This run includes two remarkable come-from-behind draws, where they recovered from three-goal deficits in each, largely due to Brazilian international Ludmila`s sensational 10-minute hat-trick.
This Sunday`s encounter presents a chance for the Spirit to solidify their elite standing, while the Stars aim to upset expectations. Both teams are fresh off record-setting weekends, setting the stage for a fascinating clash of team dynamics.
Below are the key storylines, viewing information, and additional details for the match:
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Sunday, August 31st
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
- TV Broadcast: CBS
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Betting Odds: Washington Spirit -210, Draw +300, Chicago Stars FC +400
Managing Chaos
Last week, the Spirit secured another victory, beating Bay FC 3-2 at Oracle Park in front of a record-breaking away crowd. The win wasn`t straightforward, highlighting the competitive parity among NWSL teams at this stage of the season.
Spirit manager Adrian Gonzalez acknowledged the unpredictable nature of NWSL matches. “It`s tough to find normal games… We focus on our performance, respecting the opponent`s strengths, while continually working to improve ourselves,” he stated.
With both the Stars and Spirit having conceded goals in their last two outings, improving defensive solidity will be a key objective for the Spirit playing at home on Sunday.
Gonzalez reflected on their recent performances, noting, “We`ve been strong at the start of games, scoring goals. We probably need to manage the final minutes better and concede less, but it`s always challenging because opponents push hard, especially in the chaotic last 10-15 minutes of an NWSL match.”
Culture Building
The Spirit appear to be mastering timing in the NWSL. Despite early-season challenges including a significant injury list and a head coach departure, the team has thrived, with many players, much like Gonzalez in his role, excelling in their second seasons.
The club has skillfully managed injuries to key players like Rodman, Leicy Santos, and Casey Krueger. Second-year talents Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune, who established themselves as starting-caliber players in their rookie seasons, also faced early-year sidelines. The team`s robust roster depth has been crucial, preventing them from dropping below fourth place since the third week of the season.
The return of Bethune and Hersfelt significantly bolstered the squad as Rodman and Santos eased back into play. Bethune, the reigning 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year, marked her comeback by scoring her first goal against Bay FC after an eight-month absence.
Gonzalez praised his second-year players, noting, “They are improving significantly, performing wonderfully. Despite their youth, they seem to be even better now.”
The Spirit`s 2024 rookie class garnered substantial playing time last season, developing into key starters or strong contributors. This season, sophomore players and 2025 first-year acquisitions have collectively accounted for 11 of the Spirit`s 25 goals.
Gonzalez explained, “Players like Hal, Croix, Courtney Brown, Heather Stainbook, and others from college had a strong year, largely because we provided them with significant minutes and exposure.”
He added, “While gaining minutes might be tougher elsewhere, we were fortunate to offer them these chances, which is now paying off. Their increased experience, maturity, and improved connections put them in a stronger position to contribute. They are also stepping up as leaders, and I`m very pleased with their performance. Our team philosophy is that age or background doesn`t matter; if you`re ready to compete, you`ll get opportunities.”
The Spirit`s deep roster, a “champagne problem” of sorts, led to strategic changes at the summer transfer deadline. With abundant talent and limited starting spots, Makenna Morris was traded to Racing Louisville FC, where she instantly earned a starting position last Friday.
Meg Boade initially joined the Spirit as a non-roster invitee, then signed a short-term injury contract, playing three matches and scoring once. After a stint with Gotham FC as a national team replacement, she recently moved to Chicago Stars FC on a roster relief contract, making her a potential opponent for the Spirit this Sunday.
Sustainable Success
Beyond successful talent scouting and roster building, stabilizing the head coaching position was crucial. Although the Spirit had attracted former manager Jonatan Giraldez from FC Barcelona, he departed after less than a year for a coaching role with Lyon in Europe. Despite this swift change, Adrian Gonzalez provided consistent leadership for the team.
Gonzalez served as interim coach in 2024 while Giraldez finished his commitments with Barcelona in the UEFA Women`s Champions League. Following Giraldez`s move to France, Gonzalez was appointed head coach. His leadership, much like his sophomore players, has shown significant growth in his second year.
Reflecting on his second year in the NWSL, Gonzalez commented, “I`m learning to understand myself better, and to find the most effective ways to communicate my vision.”
He continued, “It`s about continuous improvement daily: understanding the players, the league, and the coaching staff deeply. The head coach role carries immense responsibility and countless tasks. Efficient time management is critical; otherwise, you could work non-stop. My goal is to maximize impact and efficiency.”
The club`s transformation since Michelle King acquired the franchise in 2022 has been remarkable. Despite further coaching changes and missing the postseason in 2022 and 2023, the Spirit are now strong contenders, having reached the 2024 NWSL Championship final.
The Spirit began 2025 by winning the NWSL Challenge Cup in March. Even following the departure of former general manager Mark Krikorian, his influence and the club`s robust scouting system remain evident throughout the roster and in the team`s culture.
Gonzalez emphasized their deliberate approach to culture: “We`ve been building this for a year and a half, creating a welcoming team culture where everyone feels safe and free from judgment.”
He concluded, “We strive to integrate everyone quickly, regardless of their origin, identity, age, or background. They extended that welcome to me, and we ensure the same for every new arrival. It`s challenging for newcomers, especially from different countries, to adapt and perform quickly, so I believe we`re doing well in that regard.”
