Ella & André review a banger-filled but frustrating match at Audi. The Spirit looked in control, and had a 1-0 lead at halftime, then found themselves chasing the game due to an own goal and soft penalty.

We discuss Sofia Cantore's first start and absolute banger, the formation and personnel tweaks that shifted the balance of the match (and why), Leicy Santos' first start since the Copa América final, Croix Bethune being #OnOne, and sweet succulent revenge, Rose Kouassi style.

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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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Annie, Ella & André recap a frustrating match on a frustrating pitch in Harrison, New Jersey that ended in a 0-0 draw with 10-player Gotham.

We get into how things were going before the red card (and obvs our thoughts on the decision), then dive into how the match changed, and what made it so difficult for the Spirit to break through. What is a podcast for if not hindsight? So we also look at a few things the Spirit could have done differently.

It wasn't all bad though. We got a debut for Sofia Cantore, and the first Trin Spin™ of her new era. Also the Spirit's next match is Friday @ Audi so let's forget this one ever happened and look forward to that, shall we?

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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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Annie, Ella & André recap a dramatic, emotional, joyful, better-than-Disney match at Audi in which the Washington Spirit beat Portland Thorns, 2-1.

The score is only a fraction of the story. A dominant first half somehow resulted in a 1-1 scoreline at halftime. Then, a tricky second half was lifted by the return of Trinity Rodman. Naturally, she scored the match winner with a thunderbolt of a volley. Audi levitated, Trinity cried, just about everyone at Audi cried. We recap it all!

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Show Notes

Trinity Rodman returns to the Spirit with a heroic finish by Ella Brockway, The Washington Post

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It's been 84 years but the Spirits are finally BACK!

So Annie, Ella & André are back chatting about the Spirit to get you ready to dive back into the season. We review new additions, recovered players, the return of Trinity Rodman, and what we can expect from Adrián González's style of play.

We also welcome new Baby Spirits, get hype about Sofia Cantore, preview a full August of NWSL and Concacaf W Champions Cup matches, and give you reasons to watch Dallas Trinity and Tampa Bay Sun in the Gainbridge Super League! That, and more, including Annie forgetting how to end the podcast. We are so back!

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Show Notes

USWNT star Trinity Rodman says back injury left her 'in pain all the time' by Jason Anderson, Pro Soccer Wire

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Annie, Ella & André were delighted to chat with new (permanent, this time) head coach, Adrián González!

He may be one of the youngest coaches in the league, but he's been coaching as long as he's been alive. From sports science degrees to teaching to coaching, we dive deep into his background and path that's led him to the big Spirit job.

We also chat about the season ahead, including what stylistic changes Spirit fans can expect, and what exactly is the deal with these horrendous availability reports (and will they improve)? Then, we get some insight on his move to the U.S., including trying to find passable coffee and the place he's found that serves quality authentic Spanish food. Also, he explains what's made him feel like this is already home,

We get into all that, and a lot more! Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us. 🙏

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Annie, Ella & André return from a little break to introduce you to longtime Spirit staff member, Jordan Small!

Currently, Jordan is the team's Equipment Manager, but has worked several jobs at the club dating back to before the pandemic. She's seen it all, including the growth of the club.

We were delighted to get her perspective on that growth, the role she plays day-in and day-out to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, and she reveals what really goes on when a player has to sub into a match.

We also get insight into her sock battles with Chloe Ricketts, learn about The Blood Kit, the difficulty of catching punts from Aubrey Kingsbury, bleaching a team's worth of shirts in a hotel bathtub, and so much more!

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Show Notes

Behind the Scenes: The Equipment Team

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Annie, Ella & André discuss a unique Spirit performance that led to their first clean sheet since April.

We review the match by discussing the lineup, tweaks made to frustrate San Diego, improved box defending, and Aubrey Kingsbury's terrific performance.

We also chat about Tara McKeown creating a new position for herself, who and what to watch during the summer break, and our summer plans. Among them, we hope to do a Q&A pod! So please send your questions to [email protected].

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Show Notes

Attend Spirit Open Training (July 19)⁠⁠

NWSL 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top⁠⁠ (designed by Barnie!)

⁠⁠NWSL Pride Collection⁠⁠

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Annie, Ella & André recap a strange performance from the Washington Spirit.

All the narratives were narrativing ahead of this one—Spirit undefeated away, Thorns undefeated at home, Washington winless all-time at Providence Park—but the vibes just seemed off. We discuss what Portland did to capitalize, and what may have been at the root of the sudden vibelessness.

Then we dive into some Spirit news, including welcoming new Spirit signing Sofia Cantore! We discuss the transaction, and where and when she might suit up for the Spirits. We also look ahead to the recently announce W Champions Cup matches. We also preview the final match before the summer break: Spirit vs. the surprising San Diego Wave.

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Show Notes

⁠NWSL 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top⁠ (designed by Barnie!)

⁠NWSL Pride Collection⁠

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Annie, Ella & André review the Spirit's 3-1 win over North Carolina Courage!

It was a multi-goal win in Jonatan Giráldez's sign off at Audi. We discuss another iffy start, how the Courage frustrated the Spirit early, the solution that led to two goals, and the toll the international break took on the entire team.

We also discuss the pre-match press conference, which doubled as a limited opportunity for some to ask Giráldez about his move to Lyonnes. We talk about how the questionable management of the presser didn't help clean up any of the poor optics, or messaging, around the move.

Then we look ahead to this weekend's match against a very streaky Portland Thorns team. Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏

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Show Notes

NWSL 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top (designed by Barnie!)

NWSL Pride Collection

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Well, so much for a quiet international break. Annie, Ella & André process the news of Jona Giráldez's imminent departure from the Spirit after less than a year. As if that wasn't odd enough, he's reportedly heading to sister club under Michele Kang's ownership, OL Lyonnes.

We discuss the optics of the move, what might have led to it, and what we hope to see next. We also look back on the Spirit's time under Adrián González.

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Links

Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez set to take OL Lyonnes job, Adrián González to lead Washington (The Athletic)

Washington Spirit to lose coach to french club, will promote assistant (Washington Post)

Sources: Spirit coach Giráldez in advanced talks for Lyonnes job (ESPN)

Washington Spirit coach Giráldez reportedly in talks over OL Lyonnes move (Pro Soccer Wire)

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