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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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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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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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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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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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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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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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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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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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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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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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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Annie, Ella & André review a much more like it performance in a 2-1 dub against Seattle Reign!

We discuss the Spirits record-tying away victory, fluidity (and goals) in attack, solving multiple variations of the Reign, pressing to force predictability, another weird box defending moment, Rose Kouassi's defensive game, Croix Bethune's first goal since returning to the pitch, and more. Lots more, including what scary movie haunted Annie over the weekend.

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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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Welcome to the only place in woso to get your 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars season preview!!

Ok just kidding but also kinda not. Annie & André welcome Esme Morgan to discuss the Spirit's season so far, how her game has developed in the league, and delivers a vibe check on the squad during a rough defensive patch.

Then we get into her love for the Jacksonville Jaguars. She shares how her fandom began, watching Red Zone with her dad, playing Madden Mobile, and retells an incredible draft night story. (We also force her to give her prediction for the Jags this upcoming season.)

After, we talk about Biscuit, the cat she recently adopted. Plus, we end with a few quick questions, including how she was inspired by Rosa Parks.

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Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]

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Annie, Ella & André review yet another bonkers goalfest at Audi! That sounds like a good thing, and the fight back was impressive, but a quite unfortunate trend has emerged.

We discuss the defensive issues, possible root causes, and what that might mean. But we also praise a 😎spirited😎 comeback courtesy of Casey Krueger, Tara McKeown and the return of Hal Hershfelt.

Also, we review every goal, chat about Utah's time wasting and teams coming to Audi to be the villain, the way Rose Kouassi is refereed, and more.

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Annie, Ella & André review the Spirit's chaotic 3-2 win over the Chicago Stars (or Tsars).

We review yet another new lineup, and ask whether the inconsistency is harming cohesion. Then we review all the goals, good and bad, and marvel at Rose Kouassi's first goal and unique Stat Trick™ performance.

We also discuss the Spirit's inclusion in the upcoming Champions Cup, 'Empowering Legendary Females', 'pitch please', Unwell FC, and apologize to members of the Daddy Gang who enjoy being part of the Daddy Gang.

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