The 2017 season is Washington Spirit's fifth season, competing in the

National Women's Soccer League The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is a professional women's soccer league at the top of the United States league system. It is owned by the teams and, until 2020, was under a management contract with the United States Soccer Federatio ...

, 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 Alexandra Blaire Krieger (born July 28, 1984) is an American soccer player for NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the highest division of women's professional soccer in the United States, and the United States women's ...

(traded to Orlando Pride),

Christine Nairn Christine Marie Nairn (born September 25, 1990) is an American retired soccer player from Annapolis, Maryland. She previously played for the Houston Dash, Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit and Seattle Reign FC in the NWSL and has had regular lo ...

and

Diana Matheson Diana Beverly Matheson (born April 6, 1984) is a Canadian former professional soccer player who played for the Canada national team from 2003 to 2020 and multiple professional women's teams over the course of her career. She is best known for ...

(both traded to Seattle Reign), and Crystal Dunn leaving for Chelsea, while retaining her contracting rights. In addition to the departures, key injuries to

Joanna Lohman Joanna Christie Lohman (born June 26, 1982) is a retired American professional soccer midfielder/ defender who last played for the Washington Spirit of the American National Women's Soccer League. She previously played for the Washington Freed ...

, Francisca Ordega, and goalkeeper

Kelsey Wys Kelsey Laine Wys (born February 4, 1991) is an American soccer coach and former professional player who played as a goalkeeper. She currently serves as an assistant coach for the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Playing career College Wys atten ...

limited the Spirit's playing options. Unable to adequately replace these players, the Spirit struggled to compete throughout the 2017 season ultimately finishing last (10th) 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 Mallory Diane Swanson (; born April 29, 1998) is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the highest division of women's professional soccer in the United States, ...

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. (FP) (FP) (FP) * (FP) = Federation player

Team management

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 (Week 19).

Squad statistics

Squad statistics are of regular season only

Appearances and goals

, - , colspan="8", ''Defenders:'' , - , - , colspan="8", ''Midfielders:'' , - , - , colspan="8", ''Forwards:'' , - ''Italics'' indicates player left team midway through season.

Goalkeeper Stats

''Last updated: October 1, 2017''

Transfers

In

Out

References

;Match reports (preseason) ;Match reports (regular season) ;Notes

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:2017 Washington Spirit Season Washington Spirit seasons Washington Spirit Washington Spirit 2017 in sports in Maryland