The Washington Spirit have not had a lot to be cheerful about in 2018. A young and promising roster hasn’t worked out, they’ve had to change coaches, and they’ve endured two separate goal-scoring ruts of over 400 minutes. And yet, touring Audi Field last week ahead of their showcase NWSL game against Portland Thorns FC (8:00pm Eastern, ESPNews), players were laughing and smiling throughout.
The District’s newest sporting venue has that effect on people.
“I think the fact that we’re gonna be the first women’s team to play here is really special,” said USWNT attacker Mallory Pugh at a press conference following the team’s tour of the brand new facility on Buzzard Point.