By Joséphine Demos
March brings the return of the Washington Spiritto Audi Field in Southwest DC. The Spirit reached the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) final last season, finishing second in the league after winning both of their home playoff games.
The team garnered nation-wide attention during their run to the championship game, creating new fans and invigorating old ones. The Spirit sold out Audi Field twice during their postseason run. The crowds were made up of more than 19,000 fans at both games, drawing Southwest locals and other Washingtonians. These numbers represent monumental growth in the support of women’s soccer in DC. The attendance at the NWSL Quarterfinals in 2021 was around 5,379 fans – this past year more than tripled that.
The numbers don’t just represent moments of victory and opportunistic support. The endurance of the community’s support was felt during October’s Fan Appreciation Night, where fans bundled up and gathered outside Audi to hear from their favorite players, despite the championship loss a week earlier. Win or lose, rain or shine, fans show up to support their team. The Spirit have gotten the attention of DC locals, and they’re not set to lose it any time soon.
In advance of the regular season, the Washington squad will go up against the Orlando Pride in the Challenger’s Cup, a hotly anticipated rematch of last season’s championship game. What could have the potential to be a sour reminder of the team’s loss against the Florida team is also an opportunity for redemption for the Spirit.
In fact, the Spirit are well positioned to reach their full potential in the 2025 season. The team will start their season with Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez for the first time. The Spanish coach, who previously led Barcelona Femeni to repeated and historic success, only joined the Spirit mid-season in 2024. Additionally, star players who suffered season-ending injuries last year are likely to be added back into the playing mix. And to join them, the club announced the signing of Japanese midfielder Narumi Miura, who is coming off an impressive season with the North Carolina Courage. New rookies, who have been a strong suit for the Spirit in the past, have also been announced. Fans have good reason to be excited for this upcoming season.
The Spirit’s 26 regular season matches will be played between late March and early November, with half the matches to be held at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. Locals will have the opportunity to experience exciting rematches of last year’s best games. Audi Field will also host internationally renowned stars like Tamwa Chawinga and Barbara Banda as they face off against the Spirit with their respective teams.
Tickets for home games are available for purchase online and at the stadium. Streaming options are available for all 26 games.
