Spirit, three rookies start and appear in new uniforms highlighter yellow uniformthere were no answers during a particularly listless first half.
“It's always disappointing to start like that,” defenseman Casey Krueger said. “It wasn't the way we wanted it to be. It's a big mistake, but we should learn from it. But the group rallied and we fought and it was a really big positive that we took from it. I think so.”
Washington won 15-2, including a 12-1 run in the first half, and withstood several attempts to double Seattle's lead. Kingsbury, wearing the captain's armband, made five saves, several of which were high-danger saves. However, she was sent off in second-half stoppage time for interfering with her goal-scoring opportunity just outside the box, a decision that was upheld after a lengthy video review.
After going scoreless in four of the final five games last season, resulting in the team missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, the Spirit had one shot on goal in the 2024 season opener. Kruger appeared to head in a corner kick in the 69th minute, but a video review showed midfielder Croix Bethune had the goal ruled out due to goalkeeper interference.
Bethune, the No. 3 overall pick in the NWSL Draft, was one of several rookies to play for Washington on Sunday. The Spirit started five rookies from a six-player draft class, including Hal Hirschfeld and Kate Wiesner, with Makenna Morris and Courtney Brown coming off the bench in the second half. Washington's two main free agent acquisitions, Krueger and forward Brittany Ratcliffe, also made the starting 11.
“For me, one of the important points today was that some new players, especially young players from college, had a chance to make their debut,” said interim coach Adrian, who also made his debut with the Spirit.・González said. “We believe a lot in their talent. We want to help them develop, so it's a very positive thing for them to gain experience and see and understand what the league demands. I think so.”
Wiesner appeared to be injured in his left thigh and left the game just before the end of the first half.
The Spirit played without Trinity Rodman, who was suspended after receiving a red card in last year's season finale. The 21-year-old forward is Attended the game with the fans The Spirit's D.C. watch party is set to return for Washington's home opener against Expansion Bay FC at Audi Field on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.