USWNT Roster Announced for Matches Against Spain
On Tuesday, Emma Hayes, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), revealed a 26-player roster for the upcoming friendly matches against Spain, the 2023 Women’s World Cup champions. The first match is scheduled for October 10 at 2:30 p.m. at Audi Field, with multiple broadcasting options including TBS, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock. The teams will meet again on October 13 at 7 p.m. at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, available through TNT, HBO Max, Universo, and Peacock.
Spain boasts an impressive record, losing only two of their last 27 matches since the 2024 Olympics, both against England. Notably, the USWNT will be welcoming new talents for these games, with recent call-ups including Trinity Rodman and Tara Rudd from the Washington Spirit, alongside Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, marking a shift in the team since their last matches in June. Olivia Moultrie and Emily Sonnett will miss these games due to long-term injuries.
Hayes expressed her anticipation, stating, “While we are very much looking forward to playing the World Cup champions, this camp will be about reestablishing connections after a long break…” This effort is part of preparing for the next Women’s World Cup slated for summer 2024 in Brazil.
In addition to the Spirit players, Ashley Sanchez, formerly with the Spirit, has been called up for this roster. Sanchez is currently enjoying a notable season with the North Carolina Courage, having scored 20 goals. Other Spirit players are also partaking in international commitments, including Gift Monday (Nigeria), Tamara Bolt (Brazil), Gabrielle Carle (Canada), Esme Morgan (England), Sandy MacIver (Scotland), and both Sofia Cantore and Lucia Di Guglielmo (Italy).
NWSL Regular Season Nearing Conclusion
The NWSL is entering its final month, with the Washington Spirit currently in third place out of 16 teams. The team remains in contention for a playoff spot, needing to maintain their position among the top four to secure a home playoff game. Despite recent struggles at home, the Spirit have broken records for fan attendance, welcoming over 205,000 fans throughout the season, averaging nearly 15,800 per game.
With four games remaining for each team, the Spirit are set to play two more home matches. The next fixture will be against Gotham FC on October 17 at 12:30 p.m., highlighted as the “District vs. Empire” rivalry match, coinciding with Girl Scout night. The regular season will culminate on November 1 during Decision Day, where playoff positions will be determined.
Midfielder Leicy Santos has recently extended her contract with the Spirit through 2027, reaffirming the club’s commitment to building a strong roster for future competitions alongside Rodman, Rudd, and Kate Wiesner who secured long-term deals earlier this season.
DC Flight Set to Launch Inaugural Season
As part of the growing landscape of professional women’s sports in D.C., the city will witness the debut of the DC Flight, its first professional women’s volleyball team, commencing in January at the Anthem. Under the guidance of head coach Deitre Collins–Parker, the Flight will play 13 home games at this venue, which accommodates 3,000 spectators, joining the ranks of D.C.’s other professional women’s teams including the Spirit and the Washington Mystics.
Washington Mystics Conclude Playoff Run
In the WNBA playoffs, the Washington Mystics faced a setback with their second consecutive loss to the Atlanta Dream, resulting in their exit from the playoffs this season. Despite their early exit, the team showed resilience throughout their campaign.
