WASHINGTON D.C. — Washington Spirit hosted Bay FC for the 2024 home opener on March 23 and triumphed over the new addition to the league 2-1. The game had 11,734 attendees, which is a new club record for a home opener game.

Both goals came from Spirit rookies Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune in their home debuts, with Bethune scoring a stoppage time goal that secured Spirit’s win.

Bay FC’s only goal was scored by former Spirit player Dorian Bailey in the 11th minute. Bailey was traded to the new club for expansion draft protection during the off season. Then in the 22nd minute, Hershfelt scored the equalizer and her first goal for the Spirit, with an assist from Trinity Rodman.

In the 95th minute, Ashley Hatch flicked the ball to Bethune in a scramble inside of the box, and Bethune booted it into the goal.

Hershfelt and Bethune become the fifth and sixth players in Spirit history who have scored in their home debut.

The Spirit will be playing against the resurrected Utah Royals FC at Audi Field on March 31, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here, or the match can be viewed for free on NWSL+.