WASHINGTON D.C. — The third-ranked Washington Spirit (1-0-0) will take on number-two-ranked Kansas City Current (1-0-0) for the Spirit’s home opener at Audi Field on March 22, 2025. 

The Spirit are coming off strong momentum for their first home game of the 2025 NWSL season. They made it to the 2024 NWSL Championship, but fell short to the Orlando Pride with a 1-0 loss. Avenging the 2024 NWSL Championship, the Spirit went 4-2 in penalties against the Pride to clinch the Challenge Cup earlier this month, securing their second trophy in club history. Most recently, they won their first game of the season against the Houston Dash. 

However, to keep this momentum going, the Spirit will need to focus more on maintaining possession and stopping a strong Temwa-Chawinga-led offense. They will also need strong performances from their offensive line, including forwards Trinity Rodman and Makenna Morris.

During the 2024 NWSL season, Rodman notched 8 goals, 6 assists, and 41 shots on goal over the course of 26 matches. The star forward and USWNT national player was a finalist for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Player Marta Award — an honor for the most visually appealing and significant goal of the season — and for the Best FIFA Women’s Player. Still, she has areas she’s looking to improve on this year.

“I think I would say something that was big for me to improve on was just variety in the final third. I think just decision making. When to cross, when to play the early ball, when to shoot, what foot to shoot with. I think all those factors, and obviously I have those to my game, but I think I could be a little bit faster and quicker with making that last-minute decision,” said Rodman at the media day and open training on March 19. 

For Morris, confidence and more possession are key to cementing a win in front of an electric Audi fan base — one that includes many family members for the Germantown native. Morris brought the Spirit to a strong start against the Houston Dash, following up on a save from the Dash’s keeper to give the Spirit the lead in the 16th minute. Last season, Morris found the net five times, tying fellow Spirit teammate Croix Bethune for the most goals for a rookie. 

Bethune was named the 2024 NWSL Midfielder of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and a Best XI First Team member despite a season-ending knee injury. Now back on the active roster, there are high expectations for Bethune’s sophomore performance. According to Bethune, in order for the Spirit to find success for the home opener they will need to “…figure out where [they] can play the ball, possess, and just be patient within [their] build up.”

They will also need to contain Chawinga, who was the 2024 NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner. To prepare for Chawinga’s speed, strength, and dominance, veteran goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury plans to play a high line to prevent counters from long balls up top. 

“…any time they get in behind, they kind of thrive on that chaos, that quick transition, so hopefully we can stay organized and make them break us down rather than making it into a track meet,” said Kingsbury.

The Spirit’s match against the Current is sure to be a gritty, but electric one at Audi Field. It may also foreshadow what fans can expect to see in a championship matchup.