Key Transactions
The Spirit had a quiet offseason, returning 21 players from its NWSL Championship roster a year ago. Five players joined Washington this offseason in NWSL veterans Nicole Barnhart, Amber Brooks, and Gaby Vincent, along with defender Alia Martin and 2022 NWSL Draft selection Tinaya Alexander.
Recent Form
The Spirit come into 2022 fresh off their first NWSL Championship in franchise history, defeating the Chicago Red Stars 2-1 in extra time via a Kelley O’Hara game-winner in the 97th minute.
Who’s Hot
The Spirit enter 2022 with their entire front line remaining intact from a year ago, including 2021 NWSL Golden Boot winner Ashley Hatch and reigning NWSL Rookie of the Year Trinity Rodman. Hatch found the back of the net 11 times a year ago while Rodman finished with the league-lead in assists at seven with the same number of finishes to add.
Head-to-Head
The Pride hold a 5-6-4 record against the Spirit all time in all competitions, taking a 1-0 victory over Washington in last year’s edition of the Challenge Cup. Sydney Leroux scored the eventual game-winner in that match with a finish in the 11th minute of play.
Rasmussen University Fun Fact
Entering the campaign as the third captain in Orlando Pride history, Marta will face off against a rival she has enjoyed much success against in her NWSL career, scoring a total of eight goals against the Spirit, the most by any player against an individual opponent in Club history.
