Spirit Spotlight – Details, episodes & analysis

This week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich dive deep into the thrilling NWSL semifinals as the Washington Spirit gear up to face Gotham FC at Audi Field! With a high noon kickoff on Saturday, we break down the Spirit's journey to their first home semifinal since 2016. The two then analyze key players, including Trinity Rodman and the impact of crucial lineup changes.

To close things out, Bram and Mike recap the team’s electric quarterfinal victory, highlighted by late-match heroics, record-breaking crowds, and standout performances.

Will the Spirit's confidence, bolstered by rookie resilience and tactical flair, carry them to victory?

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 16th vs Gotham FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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In this special playoff edition of Spirit Spotlight, the broadcast booth -Bram Weinstein, Gaby Vincent and Michael Minnich- delves into the Washington Spirit's journey to clinch the No. 2 seed.

Despite a season filled with setbacks, including key injuries to stars like Andi Sullivan, Croix Bethune and Trinity Rodman, the Spirit's resilience has been unmatched. From clutch victories and new players stepping up to overcome hurdles, the team has shown why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Join our crew as they break down pivotal moments, relive the highs and lows, and preview the Spirit's first playoff clash with Bay FC at Audi Field.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, November 10th vs Bay FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

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This episode of the Post-Game Pod is hosted by Wardell McCabe - covering the Spirit's dominant display over the Houston Dash on September 15th.

After recapping the 3-0 result, you'll hear Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez from the Press Conferences, followed shortly thereafter by Hal Hershfelt and Ashley Hatch. 

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Friday, September 20th at Kansas City Current

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein is joined by Makenna Morris, a Germantown native and the Washington Spirit's 13th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft.

Makenna shares her story of growing up just steps away from the Maryland SoccerPlex, watching the Washington Spirit, and dreaming of one day playing for her hometown team. From her early days with Bethesda Soccer Club to making her professional debut at Audi Field, Makenna reflects on her incredible journey, the support of her family, and the rise of women's soccer.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, September 15th vs Houston Dash

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein sat down with Washington Spirit defender and U.S. Women’s National Team gold medalist, Casey Krueger.

Casey shares her thoughts on Alex Morgan’s surprising retirement while also reflecting on her recent Olympic journey, and then discusses the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with her professional soccer career. From there she offers insight into the Spirit’s current playoff push, and how the team plans to stop Sophia Smith in their upcoming clash with the Portland Thorns.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, September 7th vs Portland

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein is joined by Washington Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer. Together they dive into the Spirit's recent triumphs as Paige takes us behind the scenes of her stunning goal against Kansas City, sharing how the team's strategic play and her love for open field running created a magical moment on the pitch.

The two then explore how the Spirit are integrating new players, adjusting to post-Olympic changes, and building strong team chemistry amid a season full of transitions.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, September 7th vs Portland

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is hosted by Mike Callow following the Spirit's huge 4-1 win over KC Current, vaulting them into 2nd place in the NWSL standings.

You'll first hear from Bram Weinstein, Gaby Vincent and Michael Minnich in the broadcast booth, as they recap Washington's dominant performance returning back to action post-Olympic break, plus Andi Sullivan joining the postgame show. Then, you'll hear from Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez and Trinity Rodman.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, September 7th vs Portland

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight Bram Weinstein sits down with Washington Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez as he reflects on his initial weeks at the helm. Hear firsthand how he's navigating the transition from Liga F to the fast-paced, physically demanding style of the NWSL.

Giráldez shares some of his insights on player development, his philosophy on competition, and the importance of staying process oriented. From managing high expectations to refining game plans for key players like Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune, this conversation offers a candid look at the process of building a championship-contending team.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, August 25th vs San Diego Wave FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein catches up with Washington Spirit defender Gabby Carle - fresh off of her run with the Canadian National Soccer Team at the Paris Olympics. Gabby opens up about the highs and lows of living her childhood dream on the world stage, including the challenges her team faced amidst unexpected scandals and the inspiring resilience their squad displayed. 

Plus, Gabby shares her excitement to rejoin the Spirit as they get ready to face Arsenal in a historic friendly this, while the team gears up for the second half of the season.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, August 25th vs San Diego Wave FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Bram Weinstein is joined by Mike Minnich, and the two take a dive deep into the unexpected journey of the U.S. Women's National Team. Despite lower expectations, the team is now just one match away from a gold medal, led by the electrifying front trio of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith. 

They discuss Trinity Rodman’s breakout performances on the global stage, her potential as the future superstar of U.S. women’s soccer, and what this means for her and the team’s future. Plus, they take a closer look at the defensive powerhouse Naomi Girma and the U.S.’s road to the final against Brazil. Bram and Mike then preview the looming second half of the NWSL regular season as the Washington Spirit prepare to resume action.

Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App.

Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, August 25th vs San Diego Wave FC

Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.