Spirit Spotlight

The Washington Spirit are heading to the 2024 NWSL Championship, so in this week’s Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich break down the Spirit's dramatic playoff run. The two relive the late-game heroics from both Tara McKeown and Hal Hershfelt, the standout performances from Heather Stainbrook and McKenna Morris, along with Aubrey Kingsbury’s jaw-dropping penalty saves. Plus, hear...

This week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich dive deep into the thrilling NWSL semifinals as the Washington Spirit gear up to face Gotham FC at Audi Field! With a high noon kickoff on Saturday, we break down the Spirit's journey to their first home semifinal since 2016. The two then analyze key players, including Trinity Rodman and the impact of crucial lineup changes. To clos...

In this special playoff edition of Spirit Spotlight, the broadcast booth -Bram Weinstein, Gaby Vincent and Michael Minnich- delves into the Washington Spirit's journey to clinch the No. 2 seed. Despite a season filled with setbacks, including key injuries to stars like Andi Sullivan, Croix Bethune and Trinity Rodman, the Spirit's resilience has been unmatched. From clutch victories and new players...

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, ahead of the Washington Spirit’s last regular-season game, Michael Minnich sits down with defender Tara McKeown to discuss the team’s preparation for a high-stakes showdown against North Carolina. Tara shares how the team is managing the physical and mental demands of this late season push, along with the valuable lessons learned from teammates like Sam Staab a...

Bram Weinstein hosts this week’s episode of Spirit Spotlight and is joined by Brittany Ratcliffe from the Washington Spirit as she reflects on an unforgettable season that felt like four seasons in one. From new coaches and players to unexpected injuries and challenges, Brittany dives into the team’s journey, their unwavering chemistry, and how they’ve grown stronger together. With playoff seeding...

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, one of D.C. soccer’s finest, Aubrey Kingsbury, sits down with Michael Minnich and special guest co-host Bill Hamid!  Together, the three discuss the Spirit’s recent 4-1 win over Racing Louisville FC, and the momentum that has been built for the team after securing a home field playoff match last weekend. Aubrey then reflects on some of her more recent career mi...

Washington Spirit rookie Heather Stainbrook joins Michael Minnich for this week’s edition of Spirit Spotlight, fresh off the first regular season start of her NWSL career. Heather takes us through the emotions of that rainy day, the last-minute news of her starting position, and how the support from veteran teammate Ashley Hatch fueled her confidence. She also shares a bit about her new kitten, Bo...

Bram Weinstein sat down with Esme Morgan, one of the Washington Spirit's newest stars, in this week’s episode of Spirit Spotlight to discuss her journey from the WSL to the NWSL. After growing up as a lifelong Manchester City fan and playing for her dream club for seven years, Esme made the bold decision to join the Washington Spirit. She shares why she felt it was time to leave the club she loved...

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein sits down with Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan. Together the two discuss the rise of the NWSL, along with what that rise could mean for the league’s future. Andi then reflects on her journey from playing at the Maryland SoccerPlex to leading a championship team at Audi Field, including the impact that the game has on local young talent...

This episode is hosted by Wardell McCabe, who takes you through some of the best postgame sounds from the Washington Spirit's 3-0 loss to the Kansas City Current. You'll hear from Bram Weinstein and Gaby Vincent as they provide their immediate reactions from the team's loss. Then after that, you'll Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez, Gaby Carle, and Paige Metayer from the Post-Game Press Conferences. Tun...

In this week’s episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein catches up with the Washington Spirit's all-time leading goal scorer, Ashley Hatch! Fresh off scoring her 49th and 50th career regular-season goals, Ashley shares her thoughts on reaching this monumental achievement, reflecting on the hard work and memorable moments that have defined her career. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her own po...

This episode of the Post-Game Pod is hosted by Wardell McCabe - covering the Spirit's dominant display over the Houston Dash on September 15th. After recapping the 3-0 result, you'll hear Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez from the Press Conferences, followed shortly thereafter by Hal Hershfelt and Ashley Hatch.  Tune in to  Spirit Spotlight  live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the  ESPN 6...

This week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein is joined by Makenna Morris, a Germantown native and the Washington Spirit's 13th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft. Makenna shares her story of growing up just steps away from the Maryland SoccerPlex, watching the Washington Spirit, and dreaming of one day playing for her hometown team. From her early days with Bethesda Soccer Club to making her pro...

In this week's episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein sat down with Washington Spirit defender and U.S. Women’s National Team gold medalist, Casey Krueger. Casey shares her thoughts on Alex Morgan’s surprising retirement while also reflecting on her recent Olympic journey, and then discusses the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with her professional soccer career. From there she of...

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein is joined by Washington Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer. Together they dive into the Spirit's recent triumphs as Paige takes us behind the scenes of her stunning goal against Kansas City, sharing how the team's strategic play and her love for open field running created a magical moment on the pitch. The two then explore how the Spirit are integra...

This episode is hosted by Mike Callow following the Spirit's huge 4-1 win over KC Current, vaulting them into 2nd place in the NWSL standings. You'll first hear from Bram Weinstein, Gaby Vincent and Michael Minnich in the broadcast booth, as they recap Washington's dominant performance returning back to action post-Olympic break, plus Andi Sullivan joining the postgame show. Then, you'll hear from...

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight Bram Weinstein sits down with Washington Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez as he reflects on his initial weeks at the helm. Hear firsthand how he's navigating the transition from Liga F to the fast-paced, physically demanding style of the NWSL. Giráldez shares some of his insights on player development, his philosophy on competition, and the importance of stayi...

In this week's Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein catches up with Washington Spirit defender Gabby Carle - fresh off of her run with the Canadian National Soccer Team at the Paris Olympics. Gabby opens up about the highs and lows of living her childhood dream on the world stage, including the challenges her team faced amidst unexpected scandals and the inspiring resilience their squad displayed.  Pl...

In this episode, Bram Weinstein is joined by Mike Minnich, and the two take a dive deep into the unexpected journey of the U.S. Women's National Team. Despite lower expectations, the team is now just one match away from a gold medal, led by the electrifying front trio of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith.  They discuss Trinity Rodman’s breakout performances on the global stage, her...

Bram is joined once again by his fellow broadcast booth member, and NBC Olympic Correspondent, Mike Minnich on today's episode, with the two delving into the US Women's National Team's stellar start in the Olympic group stage. Together, the two share their insights on USWNT's decisive victories, standout players like Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman, and the strategic choices that have propelled...

On today's Spirit Spotlight, Bram is joined by his teammate from the broadcast booth, Mike Minnich! Together the two discuss Trinity Rodman's stellar performance against Zambia in the opening match of group play in the 2024 Paris Olympics. They also analyze who they see as the MVPs of the NWSL, both from the team and across the league, and provide their take on Adrián's performance as interim Head...

The Olympic break for the NWSL season is here, and Bram was able to catch up with Spirit defender Casey Krueger just before she departed for her participation with the US Women's National Team! The two discussed the competition she is expecting to face on the Olympic stage, along with the future of the USWNT program, with two of the Spirit's young stars as alternates on the roster.  Tune in to Spi...

This episode is hosted by Wardell McCabe, who takes you through some of the best postgame sound from the Washington Spirit's 3-0 victory over Bay FC. You'll first hear from Bram Weinstein and Gaby Vincent in the broadcast booth, as they recap Washington's dominant performance in their send-off match for the the Olympic break (01:27). From there, we go the the Press Conferences to hear from Head Co...

Only one game remains before the Olympic Break in the 2024 NWSL Regular Season, and for the send-off episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein was joined by midfielder Paige Metayer. Metayer discusses her journey from an undrafted free agent, to key contributor on one of the top clubs in the league. She also shares the team's current mindset as they prepare for their match against Bay FC. Tune i...

On today's Post-Game Podcast, you'll hear from Wardell McCabe, as they walk you through some post-match sounds from the Washington Spirit's 1-0 loss to North Carolina Courage. First, you'll hear from Bram Weinstein and Gaby Vincent in the broadcast booth, as they share their initial analysis from the match. After that, we take you to the press conferences with Adrián González, Tara McKeown, and Ha...