Washington Spirit Prepares for Crucial Match Against Bay FC This Friday

Washington, D.C. (03/27/2025) – The Washington Spirit are set to host Bay FC this Friday at Audi Field, aiming to secure a much-needed victory following last week’s home opener loss to the Kansas City Current. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT.

The Spirit come off a disappointing defeat, where they fell 1-0 to the Current despite a spirited effort that drew a record crowd of 19,254 fans at Audi Field. Team tactics displayed improvement with consistent attempts on goal, yet they could not capitalize. The lone Kansas City goal came from reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga in stoppage time, sealing the Spirit’s fate.

Currently ranked seventh in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Spirit are facing their lowest standing since early 2024, struggling with injuries among key players. In response, the team has turned to newcomers and younger talents for a potential spark. Notably, 17-year-old rookie Tara McKeown has made a significant impact, starting in both matches this season.

Forward Ashley Hatch achieved a personal milestone by netting her 54th career regular season goal during the opener, tying her for fifth in league history with Jess McDonald. McKeown’s strong performance and defender Rebeca Bernal’s recent contributions underline the team’s commitment to improvement.

Bay FC, under the guidance of Head Coach Albertin Montoya, finished their inaugural season with 11 wins and a playoff appearance in 2024. This season, they are currently second in the NWSL standings after drawing with Utah Royals and defeating Racing Louisville FC 2-0. Key players include mid-fielder Hannah Bebar and Karlie Lema, both of whom contributed to the recent win.

Historically, the Spirit has dominated the matchup against Bay FC, boasting a 3-0-0 record. Their last meeting ended with the Spirit dramatically winning during the NWSL quarterfinals at Audi Field. Two previous encounters this season saw the Spirit winning with identical 2-1 scores, solidifying their home-field advantage.

Fans attending this Friday’s match are encouraged to dress in all-black to create a visually striking atmosphere under the lights. Additionally, pre-game festivities will include a new Spirit Tailgate starting at 5 p.m., featuring live music, games, and food from local vendors.

Traffic around Audi Field is expected to be heavy due to the blooming cherry blossoms, and attendees are advised to utilize metro lines or bike valet services provided at the venue. For those arriving early, the Spirit Shop will have merchandise available, and several interactive activities will be set up on the concourse.

As the Spirit aim for both improvement on the field and fan engagement off of it, Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez remains optimistic moving into this crucial match. ‘This is an important game for us,’ he said. ‘We need to continue to build on our performance and tap into the support of our incredible fans.’