Podcast
HEY SPIRITS
A podcast covering all things about the Washington Spirit. The 2021 NWSL Champions are the only professional women's soccer team in the DMV area and we're going to bring you match previews, reviews, interviews, analysis, community chatter, and everything else. Follow us to follow one of the most exciting teams in the NWSL!
- Episodes
- 189
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 57 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
189 episodes, newest first
-
1 hr 3 min
Frustration, Annoyance, and News [Spirit v. Kansas City Review]
Season 4, Episode 40
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André react to a weird loss in Kansas City.
The Spirit grabbed an early lead, then made crucial mistakes to give it all up within five minutes. They spent the rest of the game trying to equalize but never could. We try to make sense of a very strange (maybe familiar?) game.
Then we look ahead to Decision Day to run through all the permutations, including what and who you need to root for to get all Spirit playoff games at Rowdy Audi. Then we talk about Gift Monday's trade, and dive into the slew of grievances settled between the league and NWSLPA.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate and review! 🙏
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Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
1 hr 6 min
Rowdy Audi is so back (w/ Sarah Graham Taylor)
Season 4, Episode 39
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André are joined by the winner of DC Scores' silent auction, Sarah Graham Taylor, to discuss the Spirit's 1-0 win over Gotham!
After we hear a bit about Sarah (and her family's) journey to Spirit fandom, we dissect the team's best and most complete performance of the season. Clara Luvanga got her first start and Leicy Santos returned to the pitch for the marquee District vs. Empire matchup.
We spotlight an impressive defensive performance, and discuss the change that allowed the Spirit to control the game out of possession. We also get into Luvanga giving Jess Carter a torrid time, the important midfield performance, Lucia Di Guglielmo sneaking into the box, Mélissa Bethi's outrageous assist, clinching the playoffs, and the question the coaching staff asked the players before the game.
Thank you for listening, please subscribe, rate and review! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
59 min
"We've done enough to suffer less" [Spirit v. Dash Review]
Season 4, Episode 38
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André reviewed the Spirit getting back to goals and winning ways down in Houston.
We discuss getting an early goal, dominating in and out of possession, then allowing a late half equalizer (oops!). The same thing happened in the second half, until the Spirit's depth and new signing Clara Luvanga got her first NWSL goal.
We also look at the international break and all the callups, what they mean, and why the timing of this international break literally could not be worse.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
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DC Scores Silent Auction
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
1 hr 3 min
Three 6 Midfield [Spirit v. Angel City Review]
Season 4, Episode 37
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André review another flat attacking performance and loss at Rowdy Audi. Well, kinda.
Since not much happened in the game (both teams finished below 1.0 xG) we zoomed out for a bigger picture view of the current state of the Spirit. We discuss the three 6 midfield, load bearing Leicy Santos, team construction, a changing team at the end of a season, and the realities of a precision attack with an unfamiliar squad.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
57 min
Three goals, three points, & a chicken wing [Spirit v. Stars Review]
Season 4, Episode 36
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André are delighted to be back discussing a Spirit win! It was a cold, damp and windy day by the lake, but the Spirit started strong, scored early, and finished with a comfortable scoreline and clean sheet.
We discuss the much needed result, the good and 'still needs work' aspects of the performance, Trinity Rodman's quest for 10g/10a, Mélissa Bethi's injury, wide forward Sofia Cantore, and much more.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
57 min
We're sorry to have to do this [Spirit v. Boston Review]
Season 4, Episode 35
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André react to a shocking loss to Boston Legacy, that forces us to have bigger picture conversations about the Spirit's current approach.
We discuss the dreaded 'p' word (patience) and the tactical nuances of the NWSL that are disrupting the Spirit's preferred approach. We dive deep on proactive vs. reactive setups, winning the mini-games within the game, and loosening the requirement for sophistication with an evolving roster.
After, we check on a few former Spirits with new clubs, and tell you what to expect from new and exciting signing Clara Luvanga.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
51 min
Victory in Portland & Welcome to IFAB Corner [Spirit v. Thorns Review]
Season 4, Episode 34
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André react to the Washington Spirit's first ever win at Providence Park, coming from behind to beat the Thorns 2-1.
We discuss the no good very bad first half, which included conceding a penalty, plodding attacking play, and a half that ended with just two shots—both taken by center backs.
Thankfully the second half was a different story. We review the halftime adjustments, Tara Rudd's penalty, the tweak that led to Mélissa Bethi's game winner, Andi's sacrifice to ensure victory, and we welcome everyone into IFAB Corner.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
59 min
August Dub, Dynamic Debuts, & Healing Vibes [Spirit v. Bay Review]
Season 4, Episode 33
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André finally have another Spirit dub to talk about! The Spirits bagged a goal just before halftime and kept a clean sheet to earn their first win since don't worry about it.
Anyway, we discuss the lineup, starting intensity, the tactical assist from Bay, and finally scoring a goal. We also rave about Mélissa Bethi and Monique Ngock's debuts. However it wasn't all good. We discuss not finding the second goal, and send healing vibes to Ashley Hatch and Kate Wiesner who were both subbed off with painful injuries.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
1 hr 6 min
Maybe don't play the Pride on Pride Night [Spirit v. Orlando Review]
Season 4, Episode 32
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André review the Spirit's Pride Night 0-1 loss to Orlando Pride.
We discuss the early goal and the Spirit's struggles to score. We talk about hitting the post, a plethora of box touches, dominating possession, and still only getting three shots on target.
After, we zoom out to talk about the real reason(s) the Spirit are suddenly struggling to score. We discuss squad building, and the lack of an attacking midfield profile when Leicy Santos is unavailable.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
45 min
Life After Soccer, DC Love, & Trans Rights (w/ Gaby Vincent)
Season 4, Episode 31
Show notes
Ella and André were delighted to be joined by former Washington Spirit midfielder, Gaby Vincent!
We catch up with Gaby to discuss everything she's been up to since retiring from professional soccer in her mid-20s. We chat about her path toward defining herself as more than just a soccer player, the important work she does with DC Scores and the Black Women's Player Collective, and using her voice and platform to advocate for the inclusion of trans women in women's sports.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow & Support Gaby
• IG: gbabbi
• DC Scores
• Black Women's Player Collective====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
42 min
Pregnancy, Recovery, & Spirit Aunties (w/ Ashley Hatch)
Season 4, Episode 30
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André were honored to chat with Washington Spirit striker Ashley Hatch!
Hatch was recently activated to the matchday roster after taking maternity leave to start a family, giving birth to her son Leo seven months ago. We chat about the decision to start a family, the camaraderie she has with teammates going on similar journeys, staying active through pregnancy, the differences and surprises on the road to returning to the pitch, and so much more.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Ashley Hatch
• IG: ash_smash33
• Ashley Hatch's Soccer School====================
Follow Hey Spirits
• Instagram: heyspiritspod
• Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
• YouTube: @HeySpirits====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
56 min
Ummmm What Was That [Spirit v. Courage Review]
Season 4, Episode 29
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André react to, erm, whatever that was.
We do our best to talk through the Spirit going down 0-3 in fifteen minutes, the immediate reaction (meh) and the post-halftime reaction (better!). We look at how the game model, lineup decisions and gameplan created a perfect storm that the Courage were thrilled to take advantage of.
Come commiserate with us, and hope we never have to speak of this game ever again!
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Spirit Squadron's 'The Stories Behind the Squad'
IG: The Stories Behind the Squad
Blog: 2021 Retrospective or, Spirit's on Fire (Derogatory)
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
59 min
Together Again, Spirit Trends, & WAFCON Check-In
Season 4, Episode 28
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André are back as a trio again!
After catching up with Ella, who's been away on men's World Cup duty, we dive into assessing the Spirit's performance during this jam-packed stretch.
The team had to endure a full month with games (on average) every four days, and all while missing multiple key players, plus new signings, due to WAFCON. We look at the positives we learned during this run (including Trinity 'don't-call-her-vintage' Rodman), and also the negatives that stood out.
Then we dive into a WAFCON update. We get you up to speed on where all the Spirit players are and how their teams are faring in Morocco. We also chat about what we're seeing from Monique Ngock, Alimata Bélem, and Mélissa Bethi.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
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54 min
How the Spirit were built (w/ James Hocken, Sporting Director)
Season 4, Episode 27
Show notes
Annie & André were delighted to be joined by Sporting Director for the Washington Spirit, James Hocken!
James details his journey from Colchester, England to Florida, and eventually Washington, DC. He details what exactly his job entails as Sporting Director, and sheds light on how data helps the Spirit track and recruit talent.
If you've ever wondered how the Spirit find talented young players to sign, or what it takes to assemble a squad under a strict salary cap, this episode has your answers! Oh and of course we also asked James about candy corn.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
1 hr 5 min
Spirit History, Player Power, & Abolish the Cap (w/ Tori Huster)
Season 4, Episode 26
Show notes
Annie & André were delighted to be joined by Tori Huster, Washington Spirit OG (played every year of her NWSL career with the team) and currently Deputy Executive Director of the NWSLPA.
We dive into a little bit of Spirit lore to discuss the good (and, erm, interesting old days, including Maryland Soccerplex, Plex Weather, the Spirit Squadron, choosing to stay, and frisbee with Foster.
After, we listen to Huster's firsthand account of the incredible moment Spirit players decided enough was enough, and took their grievances with previous ownership public. She relives the fear and determination behind writing the players' letter to ownership (if you haven't read it, please do), and the decision for every to post it on their social media accounts. Also, the camaraderie between players during 2021, standing together, the eight demands, and building the future of the league.
Then we discuss Tori's path into NWSLPA leadership. She tells us about her interest in remaining part of the union post-retirement, learning while doing multiple jobs, and just what the heck a Deputy Executive Director even does (which is a lot! like, so much!!).
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
34 min
All my homies hate Bats [Spirit v. Gotham Review]
Season 4, Episode 25
Show notes
Annie & André react to the 'Queen's Classic' match against Gotham at Citi Field.
The Bats won 1-0, which was frustrating, but that was only the tip of the whole iceberg of frustration. The match required two (2!) hydration breaks per half, which impacted the players and the game, and probably shouldn't have been played.
We discuss why the match went ahead, how the unique circumstances impacted play, Rose Lavelle continuing to haunt the Spirit, how Gotham goes about continuing to frustrate Washington's possession game, and more.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
1 hr 8 min
Leicy's banger, Trin's strength, & salary cap rants [Spirit v. Courage Review]
Season 4, Episode 24
Show notes
Annie & André review a 2-0 win against the free-scoring Ashley Sanchez and the North Carolina Courage.
We discuss a scary start, how the Spirit settled, and the two bangers scored by Leicy Santos and Trinity Rodman. Then we chat about the second half, box defending, that strange VAR call that disallowed Ashley Sanchez's free kick goal, and whether that much defending was planned or forced.
After, we review the signing of Monique Ngock, tough decisions ahead, WACFON, and the NWSL's salary cap.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
55 min
Cap's back, Trin's brace, & Audi dubs [Spirit v. Dash Review]
Season 4, Episode 23
Show notes
Annie & André relive the Spirit's dramatic 2-1 dub over Houston Dash!
We discuss the Spirit settling into a dominant performance, a missed pen and missed chances threatening to force a draw rather an a win, and Trinity Rodman late winning goal (with a faux assist from Gift Monday).
Then, we dive into some news, including a couple contract extensions, and a long and scary list of players whose contracts expire at the end of the season. 🫣
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
51 min
Good result...ok performance? [Spirit v. Reign II Review]
Season 4, Episode 22
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André recap the Spirit's final match before the break, a 2-1 win over Seattle Reign.
We discuss why some players weren't exactly satisfied with the performance, despite scoring all the goals in the game. We dissect all the goals, relive Eli Tsé's performance in her first NWSL start, deliver some Hal Appreciation, and a lot more!
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
-
1 hr 6 min
Chat are we cooked? [Spirit Concacaf W Champions Cup Review]
Season 4, Episode 21
Show notes
Annie, Ella & André review the final rounds of the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
After quickly reviewing the 1-0 win over Pachuca (including the substitutions that led to the winning goal), we break down the chaotic 5-3 loss to Club América.
We discuss fighting back from 2-0, the mistake that changed everything, Sofia Cantore's shooting technique, Rose Kouassi's brace, Trinity Rodman, elevation, and more. Then we talk about the Spirit's reputation in big games, and how to turn it around.
Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a lot to us! 🙏
====================
Follow Us
Instagram: heyspiritspod
Bluesky: heyspirits.bsky.social
YouTube: @HeySpirits
====================
Episode Music
Track: Fungible — Hiracutch [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/ILkTHxSNenI
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/after-rain
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