In their final match before an international break, Washington Spirit play Bay FC in San Jose this afternoon.
The Spirit (0-3-1) have had a slow start to their season. Still winless after four matches, their expected goals total has far outpaced their actual goals. This wasn’t helped by playing three games in eight days in late March, leaving little time to train and correct problems. This week, they finally had more time together, and coach Adrián González said they used it to focus on the details in their attack.
“Sometimes, you know, it’s a matter of details, to give more advantage for the next action, for the next player,” he said. The team also worked on increasing numbers in the box and improving quality of their movements.
After a 2025 season that saw them finishing second-to-last, Bay FC (2-0-1) made some upgrades for this year, acquiring players like Claire Hutton, Alex Pfeiffer, and Cristinana Girelli. They’ve had early success as a result, winning two matches so far, including a 3-1 game against North Carolina Courage last week.
“They have different ways to attack, which is, I think, great for a team,” González said, noting that Girelli gives Bay the option to play vertically, while they’re also dangerous on both wings.
Key Player: Esme Morgan
Center back Esme Morgan has been a consistent bright spot for Washington this season. With her sharp passes that can cut through lines, she’s created several chances already and can help the Spirit improve their creation through the center of the pitch.
Watch Out For: Alex Pfeiffer
In her first season with Bay, 18-year-old Alex Pfeiffer is making a big impression. In just three March games, she scored two goals and made two assists.
Challenges: Just like last week, the Spirit need to be make better, sharper connections in the final third to finish their chances.
Previously: The Spirit and Bay have not played yet this year, but Washington has won all five of their historical matches.
Bay FC Availability:
Out: Abby Dahlkemper (maternity leave), Caprice Dydasco (maternity leave), Heather Gilchrist (D45 -knee), Rachael Kundananji (upper leg), Alyssa Malonson (SEI – knee), Emily Menges (maternity leave)
Questionable: Joelle Anderson (head)
Washington Spirit Availability:
Out: Deborah Abiodun (thigh), Gabrielle Carle (thigh), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Aubrey Kingsbury (maternity leave), Casey Krueger (maternity leave)
Questionable: Sofia Cantore (thigh)
Location: PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Kickoff time: 5 p.m. ET
Referee: Matthew Corrigan
Available TV: ESPN2
Available streaming: ESPN App
Didn’t realize both Dydasco and Dahlkemper are out on maternity leave. They really are besties that do everything together!
Esme in the pregame said the message around the team is “don’t overthink it, get in those positions, and the goals will come.”
Meanwhile, Gonzalez is trotting out the same midfield that was a complete dud in the first two games of the season in terms of creating chances for the forwards, and forcing everyone to churn for nothing.
If Gonzalez just thinks him and everyone else being smooth brained is a strategy, he’s harming the club.
I basically don’t watch The Spirit in anticipation of a goal anymore. This has made sense watching DCU at times, but not when you have a global talent and most of a team that made a final a few months ago.
Did Tara and Lucia just give each other head injuries?
FFS
That one’s on Lucia, honestly.
I’m sure Kang wants to give Adrian enough time to figure it out, but might want to tell him to start that process.
Given the quality of the players across the squad, this is fucking asinine.
The most own goal that ever own goaled
Massive credit to Bolt for getting Rodman in on goal.
And, this just in, Tamara Bolt is our new coach.