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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Team management

Source:

Competitions

Preseason

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

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

Goalkeeper Stats

''Last updated: October 1, 2017''

Transfers

In

DatePlayerNumberPositionPrevious clubFee/notes
November 17, 2016

Out

DatePlayerNumberPositionNew clubFee/notes
October 18, 2016

Honors and awards

[NWSL Team of the Month]

MonthGoalkeeperDefendersMidfieldersForwardsRef.
April

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

[NWSL Player of the Week]

WeekResultPlayerRef.
4Won

[NWSL Save of the Week]

WeekResultPlayerRef.
11Won