HEY SPIRITS

Annie, Ella & André discuss the Washington Spirit closing out a three-game road trip with a 2-1 win over Racing (Rahsing) Louisville!

We discuss what it feels like to be the team scoring early, Aubrey Kingsbury's big penalty (and rebound) save, Savannah DeMelo & The Ref, Kate Wiesner's strong defensive performance, and an unexpected XI helping to hold onto all three points.

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Annie, Ella & André review an unfortunate 2-1 Spirits loss to Portland Thorns, courtesy of a couple frustrating trends they haven't been able to shake.

We identify those trends and why they might be happening, and how the team may approach solving them. It was a frustrating game but there were some highlights, including Lena Silano's first regular season goal and Tara McKeown's progression at center back.

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The Spirits beat Chicago 4-2 thanks to Trinity Rodman's first, Ouleye Sarr's third, and a banger of a brace from Brittany Ratcliffe!

Immediately after the postgame presser Annie, Ella & André hopped in the studio to react to it all. We talk about the Spirit finding their footing, controlling the game, responding after Chicago's first, and what it all means for the progression of the team so far.

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Ella & André react to the Spirit's narrow loss to Orlando Pride – well, more accurately, Barbra Banda. The Zambian star made her first NWSL start and showed why she was worth several bags.

We discuss what worked and what didn't when defending Banda, the lineup tweak to start Paige Metayer over Ashley Hatch, Ouleye Sarr's perfect self-assessment, Bethune's first assist, and Trinity Rodman seeking her first goal.

Then we look ahead to Wednesday's game against the Chicago Red Stars. We chat about how the defense can adjust during this run against elite attacking talent, and how the Spirit can find success in attack against a stingy Red Stars defense.

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The Washington Spirits made it four wins in a row with a surprisingly well-controlled match against a high pressing, intense NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Annie, Ella & André discuss what went into this complete performance, how the Spirit limited Gotham's chances, Croix Bethune's masterpiece of a goal, Trinity Rodman's finishing struggles, and much more.

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To celebrate goalkeeper kits finally becoming available across the NWSL we chatted with 2/3 of the Spirits GK Union, Aubrey Kingsbury and Nicole Barnhart!

Annie, Ella and André ask just what exactly is the GK Union, the keepers they looked up to, why it's about damn time that their shirts are available, plus Aubrey's big promise to anyone who buys and wears one at Audi.

We also took the time to chat about the season so far, how the fluidity in the outfield affects organizing the backline, who has impressed so far (and who will soon), baking, the Washington Capitals, and Barnie's work with DC Soccer Club.

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The Spirits conceded another early goal but two rookies scored and two free agents combined to deliver a 3-1 win. Annie, Ella and André relive all the goals, what led to the comeback, and the Spirits unveiling a devastating high press.

Then we look at the season so far to note some interesting occurrences and performances, discuss Riley Tanner being waived, and briefly look ahead to next weekend's home match against Gotham FC.

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Annie, Ella & André recap the Washington Spirit's 2-1 home dub against the Utah Royals.

We discuss Utah's press, Courtney Brown's first start (and encore), controlling games without the ball, Trinity Rodman's record breaking assist, VAR, and Aubrey Kingsbury preserving the three points!

Then we talk about the Spirit's freshly officially announced signing, Leicy Santos. We chat about her abilities on the pitch and where she might fit into the squad they're building. Plus we also get into some SheBelieves chat. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

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Annie, Ella & André were delighted to interview Trinity Rodman!

We talk to Trinity about the offseason transition at the Spirit, how her game has progressed, what books she's reading, how she recovers after games, her favorite assist, being a staple on the USWNT, thoughts on Emma Hayes' impending arrival, candy corn, and a LOT more!

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The Spirits got their first dub of the season in dramatic fashion at Rowdy Audi! Annie, Ella & André talk about a memorable night for two young players making their mark in the NWSL, an old friend turned foe, tweaks from last week, Ouleymata Sarr's amazing performance, and Trinity Rodman adding to her bag of tricks.

We also recap the vibes around the stadium, including Tara McKeown's favorite dance crew, The Jabbawockeez. We also chat cherry blossom merch, a rumored incoming signing, and next week's opponent. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

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Well, that wasn't fun! Annie, Ella & André review the Washington Spirit's 0-1 loss to Seattle Reign. From surprises in the season's first lineup to a haunting by an old formation to questionable refereeing – we cover it all, and find glimmers of hope to cling onto.

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The NWSL season starts this weekend which means we are days away from the 2024 Washington Spirit season! If you're new to the NWSL or Washington Spirit, or just need a refresher from a busy offseason, we've got you covered!

Annie, Ella & André review last season and what likely led to lots of changes. We recap all outgoing and incoming players, new coaches, expectations of the new style, and outlook for the 2024 season.

Oh, and we also preview the very first match in Seattle against Reign FC (hint: it could be a chaotic delight)! Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Annie & André review the Washington Spirits freshly released 2024 shirts, pressers from new interim coach Adrián González, Lena Silano and Paige Metayer.

They also brought out the magnifying glass to uncover details from the Washington Spirit's first preseason match, thanks to photos and a short video posted by the Houston Dash.

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IT'S THE BARNIE EPISODE! Annie & Ella chat with goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart about when she fell in love with the game, the journey to playing professionally, her role with the NWSLPA, and the story of her first national team start not being at goalkeeper.

They also get into changes at the Spirit and how the new culture is developing, hating sweets, healthy baking, and how she quickly became Casey Krueger's son's favorite.

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Missing your Spirits? Annie, Ella and André chat about the upcoming W Gold Cup, where you'll have a chance to see four of your Spirits on the pitch before the regular season. Then we talk about Michele Kang officially becoming the majority owner at Lyon, and shed some light on her multi-club project from her first ever press conference.

Then we get into the Spirit, and discuss the mechanism that stops established teams from being able to keep up with Bay FC's international recruitment. After, we discuss our expectations for the transition to a polar opposite style of play, and spotlight players who are likely to flourish in a more patient system.

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Annie, Ella and André are back and with a LOT of Washington Spirit news to discuss! The preseason squad was dropped so we review the 2024 Spirits as they stand now, and wonder if we might see one or two more additions.

We then say goodbye to some free agents who recently left the team, and chat about the 2024 schedule. Then we discuss interim manager Adrián González's strengths and task ahead as he takes over for a chunk of the season. We also look at the preseason schedule and wonder if there are enough games, and talk the EAFC24 leak of the Spirit's potential away shirt!

Whew, we cover a lot! Please subscribe, rate, and review!

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The Washington Spirit were one of the most active teams during the 2024 NWSL Draft and ended up selecting six new players to suit up for the new season – and we spoke to them ALL! In the final part of this series you'll hear from Makenna Morris, Courtney Brown, and Anna Podojil!

We talk to them about their experience being drafted, their path toward turning pro, how they'd describe their game, and of course their thoughts on candy corn. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

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The Washington Spirit were one of the most active teams during the 2024 NWSL Draft and ended up selecting six new players to suit up for the new season – and we spoke to them ALL! In Part 1 of this two-part series, you'll hear from our #3 pick Croix Bethune, #5 Hal Hershfelt, and #7 Kate Wiesner.

We talk to them about their experience being drafted, their path toward turning pro, how they'd describe their game, and of course their thoughts on candy corn. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

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The Washington Spirit hit a reset button during the 2024 NWSL Draft and took us all by surprise.

So Annie, Ella and André process all the happenings of the draft, including sudden goodbyes to two of the Spirit's best players, on the pitch and off.

COMUNICADO OFICIAL!

The Washington Spirit hit us with back-to-back super fun announcements and we countered with one of our own. Annie & André welcome Ella Brockway of The Washington Post as our official third cohost!

The new crew sits down for the time to chat about the ultra ambitious signing of Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez as head coach, what it means for potential style of play and player recruitment, and who might serve as interim until he comes over.

Then we discuss the official announcement that the great Casey Krueger is joining the Spirit! From her being a perfect signing for the squad, to that adorable Spirit video prepping for her son Caleb, we get into it all.

Plus Annie introduces a new game as we discuss even more Spirit news in a rapid fire segment. Please subscribe, rate and review!

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Well, the expansion draft happened so Annie & André are here to ask the lone burning question from the event: did it have to?

We also recap the Spirit's deal for full protection, say a sad goodbye to DJ Dor, plus chat coaching rumors and complain about free agency refusing to give us the chaos we crave.

Oh and André shares his diabolical plan to set European WOSO Twitter on fire. Please subscribe, rate and review!

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Annie & André are back and with.....not a lot of information. But there's an expansion draft in a few days, with free agency expected to kick into high gear afterward, plus the college draft, so we figured we might as well talk about, well, not knowing anything!

We chat about the coaching search, and how curious it is that no one has been announced yet. André also updates some candidates who may or may not be being considered. We also chat about the players who were waived, the expansion draft rules, and who we think the Spirit might protect – and who they might lose. 😢

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The 2023 Washington Spirit Season Overview Extravaganza continues!

This episode is all about the players. Annie & André review each player's year with the Spirit, from wishing we got minutes for third GK Lyza Bosselmann to marveling at 'The Trin Spin', we cover every player on the squad.

Did the formation change shut out some players? Should Dorian Bailey have played in midfield more often? Is Chloe Ricketts a honey badger? We attempt to answer these questions and several more!

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Now that Annie & André have (semi-) recovered from the Spirit's unceremonious yeeting from a playoff spot they decided it's the perfect time for a season overview!

In part 1 they discuss the season as a whole, looking at early performances, where and when the dip occurred, formation changes, and key games throughout the season. They also chat further about the search for a head coach, detail free agents (restricted and unrestricted), and the expansion draft.

André also daydreams about abolishing the draft in favor of a signing day, but is quickly brought back to reality by Annie. Please listen, subscribe, rate and review!

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Well, that was unexpected! After just one season the Washington Spirit announce that head coach Mark Parsons 'will not return.'

Annie & André discuss potential reasons for the parting of ways, wonder what it means for front office expectations, and look at a few coaches looking for jobs who could be on the Spirit's list.

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Well, that wasn't how things were supposed to go. The Washington Spirit were the only team to lose a playoff spot on the final day. Pain. Hurt. Sads.

Annie & André sift through the match from Trinity Rodman's red card to Amber Brooks filling in at the 9 to see if we can find silver linings, and reasons to be proud despite of the result.

Then, it's André's turn to apologize for conjuring the potential jinx/curse of Die Schwarzgelben.

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Annie & André review the big point gained in Seattle on Megan Rapinoe's final farewell to Lumen Field. We discuss the game, how the Spirit coped with a record setting environment, and how close they were to three points.

Then we look ahead to NWSL DEADLINE MADNESS CHAOS DAY! The Spirit have one of the most interesting matchups of an incredible final matchday. We look at the table, ramifications, and how they can look to San Diego's performance for help on neutralizing North Carolina's intricate style of play.

Then, we bring back our threats, because 15,000 is the minimum. Get to Audi, bring a friend, and get rowdy. This is your mandate, Lance has spoken.

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Annie & André recap a dramatic and much needed win over Kansas City! We relive the goals, the difference between the first and second halves, midfield concerns but midfield fixes, and being in awe of God Mode Trinity Rodman.

André also rants about why he thinks EA Sports gets ratings wrong (beyond #engagement from rage tweets) and Annie confesses to possibly jinxing the team.

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After interviewing several Washington Spirit players and hearing from multiple that Dorian Bailey controls the music for the team, we had to know more. So Annie & André conducted a special Hey Spirits investigation and went straight to the source: DJ Dor herself!

DJ tells us all about her process, how she reads the reactions to what she plays, how she sources new music, what she likes to listen to, and was gracious enough to drop a gameday playlist for Spirit supporters!

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Annie & André are back with another episode and this time we had the pleasure of speaking with the very chill, fun and funny Washington Spirit forward: Lena Silano!

Before we get to our interview with Lena, we recap the Spirit's frustrating 2-0 loss to Gotham FC. We wonder if it's time to panic yet, whether formation changes are to blame, and look at the Spirit's attack.

Then we shift gears because we had a great, all-encompassing chat with Lena Silano. She gave us insights into her path as a pro, work she had to do to find herself and how it benefited her and her game, Barbie, hangin' with Barney at Costco, candy corn, and more!

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IT'S THE PAIGE METAYER INTERVIEW!

Paige is one of the very best stories in the NWSL this season so she sat down for a one-on-one chat with André to tell us all about her journey. From falling in love with soccer before the age of 4 and demanding to play, to her journey joining the Spirit and growing into a day 1 starter, Paige walks us through her career so far.

We also talk about her first goal, playing and learning from Andi Sullivan and Sam Staab, "instinctual sauce", what it's like to play at Audi, pancakes, Dixie Chicks, and of course her thoughts on candy corn.

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Hey Spirits, we have a very fun interview in which Annie & André got the chance to chat with the one and only Ashley Hatch!

We ask Ashley Hatch about the secrets to her consistent goalscoring, her perspective on all the changes at the Spirit, her hilarious video displaying her husband's hole-in-one, her baking show, plus missing the World Cup and how she's still processing being left out.

We also put her on the hottest of seats by asking for her favorite goal, assist, teammate, and if she would refer to herself as a Swiftie. Oh, and of course, her thoughts on candy corn.

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Well then. The Spirit were on the very wrong end of a 6-0 loss to North Carolina Courage. Annie, Jo and André try to pick up the pieces by analyzing what went wrong, and whether the match was truly that lopsided.

Then we take a break after some new music Annie dropped and discuss the Spirit's newest players, Ouleymata Sarr and Anaïg Butel! We discuss their profiles and what they might bring to the team. We also check-in on our Spirits at the World Cup!

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Hello again!

Annie & André discuss the Washington Spirit's 2-2 draw with San Diego Wave!

Taylor Kornieck being tall may have prevented the Spirit from heading into the break with all three points, but there were a lot of positives as well. We discuss a brilliant performance from Ashley Hatch, the team's overall intensity level, Maddie Elwell stepping into a new position for all 90 minutes, Chloe Ricketts at the 10, and a lot more.

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Annie & Jo recap a sad night at Audi as the Orlando Pride beat the Spirits 3-0 :(

We discuss the problems that crept up in the first game without the national team players, and how they can (read: must) improve against San Diego this weekend.

Then we get into another segment of News w/ Annie in which we introduce you to the Spirit's newest signing, Oulemata Sarr!

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The Spirits had their roughest result of the season, losing 4-2 to Portland Thorns :(

Annie & André are here to help you commiserate, but also put the L in perspective. Sophia Smith was in God Mode and that sucked, but the Ashley Sanchez had one of her best games of the season and overall the Spirit did better than the scoreline shows - we'll explain!

We also look ahead to the weekend match versus Orlando Pride, and reveal who we're excited to see with the international players away.

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It's a Going to the World Cup Edition of Hey Spirits with the one and only brick wall herself, Aubrey Kingsbury!

Annie & André were delighted to chat to Kingsbury the day after she was officially announced as part of the 23 players squad to represent the USWNT at the World Cup! We got her reactions to being called up, as well as her reflections on the winding road to get here.

However, we also know Kingsbury has a passion for baking. So we had a bit of fun this episode and played a bit of conversational tennis. André and Annie volley between USWNT/goalkeeping questions and questions about baking. We had fun and we think you will too!

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WHAT! A! GAME! The Spirits withstood some brutal luck to start the match versus Kansas City but clawed all the way back for the win!

Annie, Jo & André discuss the impact of giving up the quickest goal in NWSL history plus an unfortunate handball for a penalty. But then we discuss the Spirits turning it all around with Ashley Sanchez's 'I'LL DO IT MYSELF' goal, then two late strikes from Paige Metayer and the everything everywhere all at once version of Tara McKeown!

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It's the midway point of the NWSL season and your Washington Spirits are tied at the top of the table after a solid 2-1 win over Angel City FC!

Annie & André break down all the key moments from the match, including why it was a good night to be an Ashley, Andi Sullivan supremacy, a well executed defensive plan, Tara McKeown continuing to impress, and Nicole Barnhart stepping in to preserve the win!

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Annie, Jo & André are back as a three to discuss Washington Spirit's 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville. We discuss the fast start and first half dominance, punctuated by Trinity Rodman's absolutely outrageous goal. Then we discuss the frustration of creating chances and not scoring, conceding a penalty, drawing a red card (one of the quickest EVER), and having to settle for yet another draw.

But then we shift to discuss the Spirit's extremely well done Pride Night! We give context on what the day meant for the club, but also the community. We discuss why, in these particular times, these celebrations are more important than ever.

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The Washington Spirit and Gotham FC played to a dramatic 1-1 and Annie & Jo are here to talk you through it!

We discuss all the key moments, including VAR disallowing a goal at a vital moment and the Spirit taking advantage. They also discuss some of the team's struggled generating shots from open play.

Then, it's PRIDE MONTH! We get you all set for this weekend's match and Pride celebration, including what we hope will be the largest drag halftime show ever! Please listen, subscribe, rate and review!

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Whoever made the rule that all good things must come to an end is stupid. But the Washington Spirit's unbeaten league run came to an end over the weekend so Annie, Jo and André are forced to react to a loss for the first time in 2023.

They discuss the goals, what went wrong, and how they might turn things around against Gotham this weekend (#GOTOGAMES). Then they unveil a brand new segment, crudely titled 'News with Annie.' The crew discusses Y. Michele Kang's recent takeover of Olympique Lyonnais' women's team, what it mans for the Spirit, and the larger world of women's club soccer. Then they also discuss the announcement of the USL Super League, a new division 1 women's league that's supposed to kickoff in 2024.

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Welcome to another episode and on this one Annie, Jo and André welcome banger scorer and Philly sports fanatic, Marissa Sheva!

We talk to Marissa about THAT banger versus Orlando (and it being her first pro goal), her path toward securing a contract with the Spirit, getting called up to the Ireland national team, her delicious soccer related superstition, and of course: candy corn!

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A very successful seven days saw the Washington Spirit score four Challenge Cup bangers and pick up six league points to put at the top of the table!

Annie, Jo and André relive a fun week by starting with the most recent (and most controversial) result, after a late handball call gave the Spirit a penalty. We talk about the call but also reflect on an intense and "fit as hell" performance from the Spirit. Then we relive the four bangers scored on Orlando Pride in the midweek Challenge Cup match. Then we take a moment to talk about one of the surprises of the season: Tara McKeown, dominating at center back!

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The Washington Spirit dominated San Diego Wave from start to finish, earning a 3-1 win and propelling them to a tie for second place with Portland Thorns and Gotham FC!

Annie, Jo and André review the dominant win, including a shoutout to Tara McKeown for handling Alex Morgan, getting the ball to Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan setting the tone, which celebration we identified with the most, us owing the rookies a pizza party, and more!

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🎶She's here! She's there! She's everyF'Nwhere (and she's on the pod)!🎶

Jo, Annie & André welcome the great Sam Staab! We chat with the Washington Spirit defender about her record 73 consecutive starts, the team's new style of play, her time at Clemson and in Australia, USWNT ambitions (she'll let us know when we can start the campaign), travelling, learning how to backflip, ranch dip, and (of course) candy corn.

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