The Washington Spirit will be aiming to break their two-match losing streak when they face Chicago Stars FC at SeatGeek Stadium this Saturday, May 11, 2025, with kickoff set for 12:50 p.m. ET. The match will be nationally broadcast on ABC and streamed on ESPN+.
This season has presented challenges for the Spirit, particularly with a long list of injuries affecting the roster. However, recent weeks have brought back key players, including Croix Bethune, last season’s NWSL Midfielder and Rookie of the Year, who returned after an eight-month absence. Additionally, Rosemonde Kouassi made her first start since the previous championship, contributing an assist to help propel the team forward.
Ashley Hatch has been central to the Spirit’s offensive efforts, already contributing four goals and an assist this season, maintaining her impressive record of at least five goal contributions in each of her eight NWSL seasons. The Spirit’s recent goal-scoring has shifted focus to players like Gift Monday and Esme Morgan, who have collectively scored the last four goals for the team.
Defensively, the Spirit had a strong start with three consecutive clean sheets but has struggled recently, conceding seven goals in the last two matches. They will need to tighten up against the Stars, who notably have the fewest goals in the league this season, managing only three goals so far.
Historically, the Spirit has demonstrated remarkable away performance, achieving victories in their first three matches on the road, a feat accomplished only by one other team in NWSL history. This weekend’s game against the Stars and a subsequent match against Seattle on May 23 are crucial as the Spirit seeks to solidify their early season success.
On the other hand, Chicago Stars FC are currently at the bottom of the table, facing difficulties in both scoring and overall form, as they have only secured three goals and hold a -11 goal differential. Despite their struggles, Keeper Alyssa Naeher achieved a milestone by earning her 50th career clean sheet last week, showcasing her resilience. However, the absence of star forward Mallory Swanson, who recently announced her pregnancy, creates a significant gap in their offensive capabilities.
Throughout their history, the Spirit and Stars have competed 33 times, with Washington holding a slight edge overall. Last season, the Spirit triumphed in both fixtures against the Stars, and they will look to continue that trend in their upcoming matchup.
This match presents a critical opportunity for the Spirit to regain their momentum and find their scoring rhythm again, while the Stars will be hoping to convert their defensive gains into their first points at home.