2017 Washington Spirit season


The 2017 season is Washington Spirit's fifth season, competing in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States.

Review

In the aftermath of finishing 2016 runners-up, the Spirit saw a series of key departures including captain Ali Krieger, Christine Nairn and Diana Matheson, and Crystal Dunn leaving for Chelsea, while retaining her contracting rights. In addition to the departures, key injuries to Joanna Lohman, Francisca Ordega, and goalkeeper Kelsey Wys limited the Spirit's playing options.
Unable to adequately replace these players, the Spirit struggled to compete throughout the 2017 season ultimately finishing last for the first time since the inaugural season. However, building for the future, Gabarra was able to recruit U.S. national team prospect, Mallory Pugh midseason. Pugh would go on to lead the team in scoring, registering 6 goals in 16 games.

Club

Roster

The first-team roster of Washington Spirit.
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Source:

Competitions

Preseason

On February 2, the Washington Spirit announced its preseason schedule.

Regular season

Regular season standings

Results summary

Results by round

Postseason playoff

The Spirit struggled to gain any momentum during the 2017 season and were the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention after a home loss to the Chicago Red Stars on August 26.

Squad statistics

Squad statistics are of regular season only

Appearances and goals

Goalkeeper Stats

Last updated: October 1 2017

Transfers

In

DatePlayerNumberPositionPrevious ClubFee/Notes
November 17, 2016 Kristie Mewis19MF Boston BreakersTrade
November 17, 2016 Kassey Kallman6DF Boston BreakersTrade
December 21, 2016 Havana Solaun9MF Seattle Reign FCTrade for Rights, Signed
February 10, 2017 DiDi Haracic21GK Washington Spirit ReservesSigned
March 10, 2017 Lindsay Agnew8FW Ohio State2017 Draft Pick
March 10, 2017 Megan Dougherty Howard29MF Florida2017 Draft Pick
April 5, 2017 Arielle Ship2FW California2017 Draft Pick
April 5, 2017 Cameron Castleberry16MF North Carolina2017 Draft Pick
April 27, 2017 Crystal Thomas13FW Georgetown UniversitySigned
May 13, 2017 Mallory Pugh11FW UCLASigned via Distribution Ranking Order
June 19, 2017 Estefanía Banini10FW Valencia Féminas CFSigned pending international transfer certificate
June 27, 2017 Yanara Aedo27FW Valencia Féminas CFSigned pending international transfer certificate
August 23, 2017 Morgan Proffitt12MF Chicago Red StarsSigned after waived

Out

DatePlayerNumberPositionNew ClubFee/Notes
October 18, 2016 Estefanía Banini10MF Valencia Féminas CFFree
October 19, 2016 Laura del Rio57FWWaived
November 2, 2016 Ali Krieger11DF Orlando PrideTrade
November 17, 2016 Megan Oyster4DF Boston BreakersTrade
April 22, 2016 Christine Nairn7MF Seattle Reign FCTrade
January 2, 2017 Crystal Dunn19FW Chelsea L.F.C.Free
January 23, 2017 Diana Matheson8MF Seattle Reign FCTrade
May 19, 2017 Crystal Thomas13FWWaived
June 28, 2017 Katie Stengel12FW Boston BreakersWaived
June 28, 2017 Cameron Castleberry16MFWaived
August 21, 2017 Kristie Mewis19FW Chicago Red StarsTrade for 2018 First Round Draft Pick

Honors and awards

[NWSL Team of the Month]

MonthGoalkeeperDefendersMidfieldersForwardsRef.
April Stephanie Labbé Estelle Johnson
June Stephanie Labbé Estelle Johnson

[2017 National [Women's Soccer League season#Weekly awards|NWSL Weekly Awards]]

[NWSL Player of the Week]

WeekResultPlayerRef.
4 Francisca Ordega
15 Arielle Ship
20 Whitney Church

[NWSL Save of the Week]

WeekResultPlayerRef.
11 Stephanie Labbé
20 DiDi Haracic
Whitney Church