Spirit post subpar Summer Cup results while stars shine at Paris Olympics

Arsenal FC forward Rosa Kafaji (16) passes the ball as Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan (12) defends in the second half at Audi Field in Washington, DC on on Aug 18. 2024. (Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

When the National Women’s Soccer League re-designed itself for a month while many of its stars played at the Olympics, the league tested new ways for players not called up to their national teams to stay active in the game. The inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup proved to be an engaging opportunity for NWSL players, not only keeping their muscles fresh but also taking on new competition. But while the tournament was an overall success, the results for the Washington Spirit during the month of July were mixed.

Five members of the Spirit squad (Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger, Hal Hershfelt, Croix Bethune, Gabby Carle), as well as the newest Spirit member (Leicy Santos), were called up to their national teams and would miss the domestic summer tournaments. Of course, entering a tournament without your record-breaking rookie of the year and cornerstone veterans, is a little daunting for any team.