Enemy Scouting Report - Washington Spirit
(image via Washington Spirit)
The Houston Dash will kick off their 2025 season with a challenging matchup against one of the league’s top teams, the Washington Spirit, at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday night. This game marks the first NWSL match under newly appointed head coach Fabrice Gautrat, ushering in a new era for the club.
Once again, Houston finds itself in a rebuilding phase—more of a reset—following significant roster changes under the leadership of newly appointed President of Women’s Soccer, Angela Hucles Mangano. But have these moves been enough to make the Dash competitive against a powerhouse like Washington?
The Washington Spirit underwent their own rebuild in 2024 when Jonatan Giráldez was appointed head coach. Bringing his wealth of experience from Barcelona Femení, Giráldez quickly elevated the Spirit, leading them all the way to the NWSL Championship.
Washington’s transformation began with the selection of Croix Bethune in the NWSL Draft. The dynamic midfielder wasted no time making an impact, earning both Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year honors in 2025. Bethune became the engine of the team, dictating the tempo—especially in transition—while linking up with the Spirit’s attacking threats.
Two of those key targets up front are Trinity Rodman and Ouleymata Sarr. Rodman has already made a name for herself, using her speed, strength, and agility to slice through defenses on her way to goal. At just 22, she appears poised to cement herself as one of the best American players of her generation. Meanwhile, Sarr, the team’s veteran French striker, provides a proven goal-scoring presence. Both she and Rodman netted eight goals last season, making them a formidable attacking duo.
With such firepower in Washington’s lineup, the Dash will need a near-perfect performance to contain the Spirit and compete at their level.
Washington Spirit Record: 0W-0D-0L
Results in the last 30 days:
March 7 - Orlando Pride 1 (2) - 1 (4) Washington Spirit (NWSL Challenge Cup)
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury, Lyza Jessee, Sandy Maclver, Kaylie Collins
Defenders: Casey Krueger, Rebeca Bernal, Kate Wiesner, Tara McKeown, Gabrielle Carle, Esme Morgan, Kysha Sylla, Paige Metayer, Shadia Nankya
Midfielders: Narumi Miura, Croix Bethune, Leicy Santos, Andi Sullivan, Courtney Brown, Hal Hershfelt, Heather Stainbrook, Emma Gaines-Ramos
Forwards: Trinity Rodman, Makenna Morris, Ouleymata Sarr, Brittany Ratcliffe, Rosemonde Kouassi, Ashley Hatch, Chloe Ricketts
Can the Houston Dash start the Fabrice Gautrat era on the right foot against a tough opponent?
