Annie, Ella & André aren't quiiiiite ready to let go of the Washington Spirit's 2025 season just yet!
We discussed nominees, then asked for your votes, and have now tallied them and sat down to unveil our six winners for the season. Find out who won our awards for Biggest Surprise, Big Damn Hero, Goal, Assist and Defensive Play of the Year, and of course, who will be the second ever recipient of our MVP award, the Candy Corn Crown.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review — it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André do their best to break down why this will be an important week for the Spirit's quest to re-sign Trinity Rodman.
We break down each aspect of the saga, from Rodman wanting to stay and the league seemingly caught off guard by that fact, to the proposed contract that's the center of a grievance, and a newly proposed mechanism that has some good/some bad, but is ultimately a workaround that would leave lots of players behind. We get into it all!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review — it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André take a seat and pull out the scrapbook to review the Washington Spirit's 2025 season!
But first, they discuss the breaking news of former Orlando Pride general manager, Haley Carter, joining the Spirit as President of Soccer Operations. We get into Carter's background, the job ahead, and the magnitude of the move.
Ok and then we get back to our 2025 season wrapup. From the Challenge Cup win to being scared of every availability report to an unexpected coaching change and another fun playoff run to another NWSL Championship — we take a look back at it all.
Then, it's YOUR turn to have some fun! We're gathering nominees for our upcoming 2025 Hey Spirits Awards and need 🫵YOU🫵 to help us out. We'll be awarding best goal, assist and defensive play of the season, as well as awards for Biggest Surprise, Big Damn Hero, and of course, our MVP, the Candy Corn Crown recipient. Follow us on Bluesky and Instagram to make a case for your winner, or to add to our lists of nominees!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review — it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André review a(nother) sad and frustrating NWSL Championship game.
First, we talk through the game: Why the Spirit struggled to create chances, suffering through low xG battles, wining the battle but losing the war, and fairness.
Then we discuss 'that moment', the human perspective, who was to blame for Gotham's goal, and why the only mistake made isn't the one you think.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review — it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie & André were delighted to chat with Rebeca Bernal and Narumi Miura!
We cannot thank Rebe & Rumi enough for allowing us to interview them in their second language. It couldn't have been the most comfortable thing for them, but they were amazing and gave us some incredible answers. Don't miss Bernal telling us who she plays for (🫶), and Narumi telling us the thing she couldn't believe when she first came to the States (😂).
We've been waiting for a while to chat with these two, and it was a lot of fun! Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review — it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André preview the NWSL Championship!
The Spirits are in their third Championship game in five seasons, so we discuss how they can bring home their second title. We discuss Gotham's style of play and how to counter it, key players on each team, "underdogs", André trying to Do A Thing on the internet, and more.
Stay until the end to make sure you hear about all the watch parties happening in the DMV. Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André review a, quite simply, talented, brilliant, amazing, showstopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before performance from the Washington Spirit!
The Spirit are heading to yet another NWSL Championship courtesy of a dominant 2-0 performance over the Portland Thorns. We discuss why it was so dominant, and chat about the versatility that made it impossible for Portland to keep up.
After, we touch on Trinity Rodman's contract stalemate, and drop some player shoutouts (Weezy F. Baller).
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André get you prepared for this weekend's semifinal match against the Portland Thorns!
We discuss the season the two have had, their last matches, how they play, how to capitalize on their weaknesses, who needs to have a good game, who the Spirit will the Spirit need to stop, and more.
Plus we also talk about clouds, and our new logo! Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Check out Ale Rodriguez-Girtler's work
Instagram: ale_inspired
Website: aler-g.com
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André tried to find the words to relive, analyze and reflect on yet another dramatic playoff win at Audi.
Good news, we found the words and ended up going into extra time ourselves (whoops). How did Louisville's unexpected approach almost work? Why did the Spirit struggle to create high quality chances? How on earth did Spirit players remain so calm throughout the twists and turns of that entire match?! Also, where exactly should Aubrey Kingsbury's statue be located? We discuss it all!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André are back! After breezing by a bland and uneventful match against Utah, we dive deep into the Spirit's upcoming playoff match against Racing Louisville (Big Purp).
The Purp are a throwback NWSL team. What does that mean, and what do the Spirit need to do to make sure their run to the playoffs ends at Audi Field?
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Supporters' Food Drive: The first annual food drive by Rose Room Collective & Spirit Squadron
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie & Ella chat about a very weird final home game for the Spirit.
We discuss two own goals, a beautiful team, and just how fans should react to the end of Washington's winning streak. We also share our opinions on stutter step penalty kicks, try to list all of the Spirit players called up in this international window, and mention a referee once again getting it mostly right.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André review a soggy and desperate night in Cary, North Carolina.
We discuss North Carolina playing desperate (and well) and the Spirit matching their intensity despite using all subs by the 67th minute. We discuss the good then bad box defending, Trinity Rodman's left foot, Narumi Miura's development, and we actually have nice things to say about referees this time! 😱
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Ella & André were delighted to be joined by the one and only—the rookie of the month in her first full month in the NWSL—Deborah Abiodun!
We get into her journey into professional soccer, from playing with her brothers in Nigeria, to streetball and camps, to the University of Pittsburgh and Super Falcons.
We also discuss her loan to Dallas Trinity, and how each phase of her career has prepared her for the whirlwind journey she's had over the past few years.
Also, we got to break the news of Deb winning Assist of the Week and it was awesome to hear her live reaction! Plus, in true Hey Spirits fashion, we also chat about Wizkid, Afrobeats, DJ'ing, shross or crot, candy corn, and more!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Deb
TikTok: @saintayo100
YouTube: @abiodundebby100
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André recap yet another magical moment at Rowdy Audi!
The Washington Spirit secured their 100th regular season win in dramatic fashion. Washington dominated the match, and got an early goal from Rose Kouassi, but the search for second went on and on, as did frustration with inconsistent refereeing. Then San Diego made it worse by equalizing deep in second half stoppage time.
But Rose Kouassi came to the rescue yet again. Was it a crot or a shross? It doesn't matter, it was the match winning final shot of the match that reclaimed all three points!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André review the Spirit's most complete game of the season in a 4-0 showing against Houston Dash.
We discuss the lineup, starts for Kysha Sylla & Gift Monday, solving Houston's pressure, hybrid formations/spaces/positions, and GOALS. LOTS AND LOTS OF GOALS!!
We dissect Gift Monday's record breaking hat-trick, the nearly goals, plus the Spirit's outrageous fourth goal crafted by Croix Bethune, Narumi Miura and DJ Sofia Cantore. That, and more!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André review Thursday night's 2-2 draw with Angel City.
We dig into surprises to the lineup, coping (or not) with Angel City's speed, the LeCroix Goal, the debut of the Blood Kit, scoring three of four goals, shoutouts for Tara McKeown and Deb Abiodun, positive vs. negative coaching philosophies, missed chances, and more!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie & André were delighted to chat with Washington Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver!
We discuss her path into football, then goalkeeping, which includes stops at Everton, Manchester City, and Clemson (yes, that Clemson). We discuss choosing the Spirit, the shifting int'l reputation of the NWSL, TikToks, her best save, getting stuck in a hotel bathroom (twice), and more!
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Sandy
TikTok: @sandymaciver
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie & André review a hard earned point in Kansas City, courtesy of a 0-0 draw.
We discuss the Spirit's lineup and dominance of possession, coping with the Current's quick and direct counters, how the match changed without Chawinga, and of course give our thoughts on the two yellow cards for Hal Hershfelt that left the Spirit down a player.
After, we check in on some league news, and look ahead to the Thursday night (you read that right) match against Angel City.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie & André review the most complete Spirit performance of the season, resulting in a 2-0 dub against Seattle Reign.
We break down the tactical fluidity that kept Seattle off balance, then spotlight Deb Abiodun's unreal debut, the New Trin dropping a brace, dimes from Leicy Santos and Croix Bethune, patience, spaces instead of positions, and a lot more!
Then we look ahead to the next match, a titanic #1 v. #2 scrap against Kansas City Current. Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
Annie, Ella & André review Washington Spirit's 1-1 draw with Chicago Stars.
We discuss the starting lineup, width problems, finishing struggles, halftime adjustments, Sofia Cantore scoring again, Paige Metayer and Deborah Abiodun hoopin, short corners, defending quick transitions, gifting Chicago their best chance, and more.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate, and review. It means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain