The Washington Spirit open their season at home tonight against the Boston Breakers
After two offseasons of turnover, this offseason was rather quiet for the Washington Spirit. The two-time semifinalists return almost three-quarters of the 2015 squad that finished in fourth place. However, the offseason didn't start quietly for the Spirit. In October, head coach Mark Parsons left DC to become head coach of the Portland Thorns. Within weeks, the Spirit hired Jim Gabarra the former Sky Blue FC and Washington Freedom head coach.
2015 record: 8-6-6, 4th place league-wide
2015 playoffs: Lost to the Seattle Reign in the semifinals 3-0
Key Additions: Katie Stengel, 24-year old forward previously with Bayern Munich; Stephanie Labbe, Canadian international goalkeeper, and draft picks Cali Farquharson and Cheyna Williams, both forwards
Key Departures: Ashlyn Harris, three-year Spirit goalkeeper taken in expansion draft by the Orlando Pride; Amanda DaCosta, midfielder traded to Chicago Red Stars, and Angela Salem, midfielder traded to Boston Breakers
Projected/ideal Starting XI: Kelsey Wys; Ali Krieger, Megan Oyster, Shelina Zadorsky, Alyssa Kleiner; Tori Huster, Diana Matheson, Christine Nairn; Crystal Dunn, Katie Stengel, Cheyna Williams
Overview of the Spirit: The Spirit are strong contenders for a playoff spot this year.