Spirit Spotlight

The Washington Spirit are heading to the 2024 NWSL Championship, so in this week’s Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich break down the Spirit's dramatic playoff run. The two relive the late-game heroics from both Tara McKeown and Hal Hershfelt, the standout performances from Heather Stainbrook and McKenna Morris, along with Aubrey Kingsbury’s jaw-dropping penalty saves.

Plus, hear insights from the broadcast booth as they discuss what it will take for the Spirit to secure their second NWSL title.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 23rd vs Orlando Pride

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This week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich dive deep into the thrilling NWSL semifinals as the Washington Spirit gear up to face Gotham FC at Audi Field! With a high noon kickoff on Saturday, we break down the Spirit's journey to their first home semifinal since 2016. The two then analyze key players, including Trinity Rodman and the impact of crucial lineup changes.

To close things out, Bram and Mike recap the team’s electric quarterfinal victory, highlighted by late-match heroics, record-breaking crowds, and standout performances.

Will the Spirit's confidence, bolstered by rookie resilience and tactical flair, carry them to victory?

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 16th vs Gotham FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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In this special playoff edition of Spirit Spotlight, the broadcast booth -Bram Weinstein, Gaby Vincent and Michael Minnich- delves into the Washington Spirit's journey to clinch the No. 2 seed.

Despite a season filled with setbacks, including key injuries to stars like Andi Sullivan, Croix Bethune and Trinity Rodman, the Spirit's resilience has been unmatched. From clutch victories and new players stepping up to overcome hurdles, the team has shown why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Join our crew as they break down pivotal moments, relive the highs and lows, and preview the Spirit's first playoff clash with Bay FC at Audi Field.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, November 10th vs Bay FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, ahead of the Washington Spirit’s last regular-season game, Michael Minnich sits down with defender Tara McKeown to discuss the team’s preparation for a high-stakes showdown against North Carolina.

Tara shares how the team is managing the physical and mental demands of this late season push, along with the valuable lessons learned from teammates like Sam Staab and Aubrey Kingsbury. She also discusses how the Spirit's rookies have stepped up this season and the growth she's experienced alongside veteran teammates.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 2nd vs North Carolina Courage

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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Bram Weinstein hosts this week’s episode of Spirit Spotlight and is joined by Brittany Ratcliffe from the Washington Spirit as she reflects on an unforgettable season that felt like four seasons in one.

From new coaches and players to unexpected injuries and challenges, Brittany dives into the team’s journey, their unwavering chemistry, and how they’ve grown stronger together. With playoff seeding on the line, Brittany shares the Spirit’s mindset heading into the season finale, the impact of player support, and the power of staying resilient amid change.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 2nd vs North Carolina Courage

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, one of D.C. soccer’s finest, Aubrey Kingsbury, sits down with Michael Minnich and special guest co-host Bill Hamid! 

Together, the three discuss the Spirit’s recent 4-1 win over Racing Louisville FC, and the momentum that has been built for the team after securing a home field playoff match last weekend. Aubrey then reflects on some of her more recent career milestones, including surpassing the 450 saves mark with the Spirit.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, October 20th vs Chicago Red Stars

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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Washington Spirit rookie Heather Stainbrook joins Michael Minnich for this week’s edition of Spirit Spotlight, fresh off the first regular season start of her NWSL career.

Heather takes us through the emotions of that rainy day, the last-minute news of her starting position, and how the support from veteran teammate Ashley Hatch fueled her confidence. She also shares a bit about her new kitten, Boo!

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, October 13th vs Racing Louisville FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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Bram Weinstein sat down with Esme Morgan, one of the Washington Spirit's newest stars, in this week’s episode of Spirit Spotlight to discuss her journey from the WSL to the NWSL.

After growing up as a lifelong Manchester City fan and playing for her dream club for seven years, Esme made the bold decision to join the Washington Spirit. She shares why she felt it was time to leave the club she loved and how Washington Spirit is helping her unlock her full potential. Esme opens up about her competitive drive, her partnership with Tara McKeown, and her goals for the future as the Spirit eye a championship run.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, October 13th vs Racing Louisville FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein sits down with Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan.

Together the two discuss the rise of the NWSL, along with what that rise could mean for the league’s future. Andi then reflects on her journey from playing at the Maryland SoccerPlex to leading a championship team at Audi Field, including the impact that the game has on local young talent, like Makenna Morris.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, October 13th vs Racing Louisville FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is hosted by Wardell McCabe, who takes you through some of the best postgame sounds from the Washington Spirit's 3-0 loss to the Kansas City Current.

You'll hear from Bram Weinstein and Gaby Vincent as they provide their immediate reactions from the team's loss. Then after that, you'll Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez, Gaby Carle, and Paige Metayer from the Post-Game Press Conferences.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Friday, September 27th at Angel City FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.