A cloud has hovered over the Washington Spirit’s season, but the supporters showed up Sunday, banged their drums and chanted in unison anyway. Despite the bro culture that permeates this women’s soccer league, they still brought their young daughters to Audi Field in search of role models to root for.
The 5,379 fans in attendance for the Spirit’s 1-0 quarterfinal playoff victory over the North Carolina Courage had their reasons for supporting the team and the National Women’s Soccer League. Some had to hold their nose and cheer because the stench from a season of scandals — the head coaches who started the season for the Spirit and Courage are no longer with the teams following allegations of verbal abuse (the Spirit) or sexual coercion toward players (the Courage) — has tested the patience of even the most loyal supporters.