The NWSL 2025 regular season heats up as the Washington Spirit, featuring Trinity Rodman, prepare to clash with Ludmila and Chicago Stars FC at Audi Field this Sunday.
While trailing Kansas City Current by 12 points in the NWSL Shield race, the second-place Spirit are well-positioned for another postseason berth. With nine weeks left, the gap could shrink, and the Spirit are increasingly seen as strong contenders against Kansas City for the league`s top spot.
Despite their near-bottom league standing, Chicago boasts an impressive four-game unbeaten streak, including two consecutive draws where they fought back from three-goal deficits. Brazilian international Ludmila was instrumental in these comebacks, notably with a 10-minute hat-trick.
Sunday`s match presents a chance for the Spirit to solidify their elite standing and for the Stars to upset expectations. With both teams coming off remarkable weekends, it sets the stage for a compelling contest of differing team dynamics.
Managing Chaos
The Spirit secured another victory last week, overcoming Bay FC on the road at Oracle Park before a record-breaking crowd. Their tight 3-2 win underscored the intense parity among NWSL teams late in the season, requiring the Spirit to fend off a determined home side.
Spirit manager Adrian Gonzalez remarked on the rarity of “normal games” in the league. He emphasized the team`s focus on their own objectives, while also respecting opponents and striving for continuous improvement.
Both Chicago and Washington have conceded goals in their last two matches, highlighting an area for the Spirit to improve, especially as the home team this Sunday.
Gonzalez acknowledged the team`s strong starts and goal-scoring ability but noted room for improvement in the final minutes to “suffer a little bit less.” He recognized the challenge, stating, “it`s not easy, because the opponent also plays,” and highlighted the league`s intense finishes.
Culture Building
The Spirit appear to be mastering the art of timing in the NWSL. Despite early-season challenges like injuries and a coaching change, the club has seen several sophomore players, much like manager Gonzalez, excel in their second year.
The club has skillfully managed injuries to key starters such as 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 setbacks. However, the team`s deep roster ensured their strong performance, keeping them within the top four since week three.
The return of Bethune and Hersfelt, concurrent with Rodman and Santos` recovery, significantly bolstered the squad. Bethune, the reigning NWSL Rookie and Midfielder of the Year (2024), marked her comeback from an eight-month absence with a goal against Bay FC.
Gonzalez praised his second-year players, stating, “They are improving a lot. They are doing great. And even though they are still young, it seems like they are better now.”
Washington`s 2024 rookie class gained substantial playing time last season, developing into starting or starting-caliber players. This season, sophomore players and 2025 first-year acquisitions have contributed significantly, scoring 11 of the Spirit`s 25 goals.
Gonzalez explained that players like Hal, Croix, Courtney Brown, and Heather Stainbook, fresh from college, had a “pretty good year” due to ample playing time and exposure provided by the team.
He noted that while playing time can be scarce elsewhere, the Spirit offered opportunities that have now paid off. “The fact that they have more experience, they are more mature, they know each other, the connections are much better, and they are in a better spot to help the team,” Gonzalez stated, adding that they are also emerging as leaders. He emphasized the team`s philosophy: “it doesn`t matter the age, or it doesn`t matter where you`re coming from; if you are ready to compete, you`re going to have chances.”
The Spirit`s abundant talent has led to “champagne problems,” prompting roster adjustments at the summer window deadline. Makenna Morris, for instance, was traded to Racing Louisville FC and immediately secured a starting spot.
Meg Boade, who initially joined the Spirit as a non-roster invitee and later signed a short-term injury contract, played in three matches and scored a goal. After a brief stint with Gotham FC as a national team replacement, she has now joined Chicago Stars FC on a roster relief contract and might face her former team on Sunday.
Sustainable Success
Beyond successful talent scouting and roster development, the club also had to stabilize its head coaching position. Jonatan Giraldez, initially enticed from FC Barcelona, unexpectedly left within a year for a role with Lyon in Europe. Throughout this swift transition, Adrian Gonzalez provided consistent leadership.
Gonzalez served as interim coach in 2024 while Giraldez concluded his duties with Barcelona in the UEFA Women`s Champions League, and was subsequently appointed head coach after Giraldez`s move to France. His own growth in his second year mirrors that of his sophomore players.
Reflecting on his second NWSL season, Gonzalez stated, “Trying to know myself much better… I`m also learning. I`m trying to identify the best way to transmit what I want.”
He detailed his continuous effort to improve daily: understanding players, the league, and coaching staff better. Gonzalez highlighted the “huge responsibility” of a head coach, emphasizing the need for efficient time management to avoid working “24 hours,” and focusing on creating impact effectively.
The Spirit`s transformation since Michelle King`s acquisition in 2022 has been remarkable. Following further coaching changes and missing the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, the club has emerged as a strong contender, finishing as runners-up in the 2024 NWSL Championship.
The team began 2025 by securing the NWSL Challenge Cup in March. Despite the departure of former general manager Mark Krikorian, his influence and the club`s robust scouting department remain evident in the team`s roster and culture.
Gonzalez explained the deliberate effort to build a welcoming team culture over the past year and a half: “creating those environments where people can feel safe, where people can feel that there`s no judgment here.”
He stressed the importance of swift integration for all new members, regardless of background or origin, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new country and environment. Gonzalez noted that the team extended this same welcoming spirit to him, and they strive to uphold it for everyone joining the club.
