New season, new expectations. After two consecutive appearances in the NWSL playoffs the Washington Spirit enter their 2016 NWSL campaign with raised expectations and raised hopes. Based off of their moves in the offseason and their play during the preseason their mission seems clear: NWSL title or bust.
Perhaps the biggest change for the squad, and perhaps the biggest variable for success in 2016, is new coach Jim Gabarra. Gabarra took over in the offseason for Mark Parsons who left to become the coach of the Portland Thorns. Parsons guided the squad to fourth place in the NWSL standings and to their second consecutive semi-final appearance in the NWSL playoffs.
Gabarra is a familiar face for soccer supporters in the area having previously coached the Washington Warthogs in the CISL back in the 1990s and more recently the Washington Freedom in the WUSA and the WPS.
As opposed to Parsons, who was a bit more conservative, Gabarra is known for his high pressure attacks. That should suit reigning NWSL MVP Crystal Dunn perfectly. Dunn scored 15 goals last season and immediately became the focal point of attack for the Spirit. Her ability to split defenders and close first touch make her one of the most dangerous attackers in soccer.
The key for Gabarra and the Spirit is to create other options on the attack. Now that defenses have had the chance to watch her on a regular basis, she will likely attract an additional stopper. Over 48 percent of the Spirit’s goals last season came from Dunn which points to a bit of an over reliance on one attacking piece.
Seeking balance, the Spirit picked up forward Katie Stengel from Bayern Munich. Stengel scored nine goals in the Bundesliga last year and helped lead her squad to the title. Her work in the preseason with Dunn and fellow forward Francisca Ordega (3 goals in 13 matches in 2016) seems to indicate that Gabarra is looking towards a 4-3-3 formation. If that is the case look for Christine Nairn to play more of an aggressive role in the attack.
Things are a little less settled in Gabarra’s defense. The club picked Alyssa Kleiner from the Thorns to help shore up the left-back position. However, she has at times been outshone during the preseason by Caprice Dydasco. Dydasco, 22, had a stellar run on loan with the Newcastle Jets this offseason. However, she is still very young and makes the occasional errant run or pass.
Goalkeeper is also an issue for the Spirit. The club said goodbye to incumbent Ashlynn Harris in the offseason and brought in Canadian national team goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe. Labbe helped lead Swedish side Orebo to the Round of 16 in the 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League and has slowly worked her way into the Canadian National Team. But Labbe has not adjusted very quickly to her new team and she struggled some during Canada’s CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying matches.
The good news for Gabarra is that the Spirit have a solid corps of defenders led by Ali Krieger and Diana Matheson (who plays in a defensive midfielder role) that should help smooth over some of these issues. The partnership of center-backs Megan Oyster and Shelina Zadorsky (who comes to the side from will cause attackers nightmares all season with their physical play and close marking.
With a veteran side and the reigning NWSL MVP the Spirit come into 2016 with high expectations. Although the club has a new manager and fresh questions on defense it is a side that should feel emboldened with their additions in the attacking half. If the club’s bench can hold their own during the Olympics this is a side that should be playing in October.
