Let's start the year off with some hopeful stadium news: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-womens-soccer-in-d-c/?utm_term=.5423c00883ae
I also wouldn't mind a double-header at some point... That is, assuming the Spirit don't triple-or-more their draw simply by the different location. If the Spirit can actually draw over 10k any time they play solo at Audi Field, then no need for double-headers. (I also wouldn't mind if DCU eventually - probably not soon - buy the Spirit outright, but that's a different discussion altogether.)
Ten thousand may be what will be needed for the Spirit to play their games at Audi field to make a decent profit. Since the 4 MLS clubs have shared costs relating to using the same personnel in certain areas as the men's teams, like marketing and merchandizing, and since they operate their stadiums, and thus are able to generate income off food and beverage sales, and let's say for the sake of discussion their breakeven point would be to draw 5000 to 6000 a game, what would that attendance number need to be for the Spirit to breakeven. After Chicago worked it out so they could rent out Toyota for the 2017 season, I wonder how far off they were on their breakeven point.
Huh, I should pay attention to the build-up to drafts more... Didin't know Sullivan was a local player. I bet she fills the advertising gap left when Kreiger was traded away. With Pugh, Hatch, Sullivan, and Quinn, the Spirit has a strong young contingent that should sustain them for a few years.
I wonder who will be on the bottom, this season: on paper, most teams seems stronger than in 2017. Ok, probably Boston Breakers (it looks like they're going to... break for real? Sorry for the pun ). Or Sky Blue, despite Lloyd (or maybe even "because" of Lloyd)? Maybe we should open a thread about that?
Just to play devil's advocate: that's what a lot of people said about Boston last year with their draft class. Then injuries happened, and Washington has never had the best luck with injuries either. And I guess, to be fair, Boston ultimately wasn't the bottom last year, so the people who said they wouldn't be bottom were right.... but just barely.
Here is a list of the Spirit players that have been drafted, offered a contract or under contract. GK - Heracic, Labbe, Wys DEF - Baasinger, Debree, Church, Dydasco, Johnson, Kallman, Kleiner, Smith, Zadorsky MF - Dougherty Howard, Huster, Huster, Lohman, Moore, Proffitt, Quinn, Sullivan F - Aedo, Estefania, Eubanks, Farquharson, Hatch, Pugh, Ship, Solaun, Williams. That's 29 players for only 20 roster spots. How do you see the roster looking opening day?
Good catch! She is on loan with Atletico Madrid but should be back in March. That just makes the decision that much harder
Stephanie Labbé is current starting Canada's GK, but she had been benched in the last part of the season in Washington and if I remember well she could have had some problems with management. Also, she had recently made a very touching video about her health problems and her fight against depression. I wonder if she actually wants to remain in Washington for another season (especially if management is the same) or if she's going to look for a change.
True. Personally , I think Labbé is their best GK and would be the starter in 2018 if she plays for the Spirit. We also don't know if she was benched because of her health issue or performance. I hope she comes back, not because she is their best GK (even though she is), but because it would mean that she has made progress with her fight against depression.
I agree both about the fact that I want her back and healthy and that she's an excellent GK. She's an asset Spirit should protect: she deserves it as a person, and she could be a match-winner for her team; if I remember well, she won multiple times Save-of-the-Week Award, in 2017, before being benched.
I could see it being: GK - Labbe, Wys 2 DEF - Debree, Dydasco, Johnson, Kleiner, Smith, Zadorsky 6 MF - Dougherty Howard, Huster, Lohman, Proffitt, Quinn, Sullivan 6 F - Estefania, Eubanks, Hatch, Pugh, Williams, Ordega 6 And yes, I realize some good players not on that list. Maybe some trades.
I like your list. Makes sense. After a couple days of thought here's my guess. (2) GK - Labbe, Wys (6) DEF - Baasinger, Debree, Dydasco, Smith, Zadorsky, Quinn (Their MF is so stacked, I see Quinn starting more as a CB this year) (6) MF - Dougherty Howard, Estefania, Huster, Huster, Proffitt,, Sullivan (I just really want to see the sisters on the team together for at least a year) (6) F - Eubanks, Hatch, Ordega, Pugh, Ship, Williams, (a lot depends on how players return from ACL injuries) I agree a lot of talent being left off this list, but I also see plenty of trades too. I can see the names not on this list being on another teams roster, especially in the midfield. I also don't see 6 rookies making the team but I can't help myself
headed to Richmond... March 17 City Stadium @WashSpirit @TheNCCourage Get your #NWSLinRVA tickets http://bit.ly/2k08A1R
This ^^^^^ When the schedule comes out, I will be able to plan my trip to the Maryland SoccerPlex - never been there. NC and SkyBlue are my top priority games.
I just realized that the Spirit still have Frannie Ordega and Estefania Banini, on top of all the others - Holy Crap!
I hope they stay there. I realize it's not the best if you're trying to draw huge numbers, but the field and stadium are so nice and welcoming. It's a good setting.