April 6, 2015 | by Staff Writer

Washington Spirit Announces Its 2015 Roster

Head Coach Mark Parsons

With 2015 National Women’s Soccer League season set to begin this weekend, the Washington Spirit released its 2015 roster on April 6.

The Spirit will once again be lead by general manager and head coach Mark Parsons. Parsons is assisted by returning assistant coach KJ Spisak and goalkeeping coach Lloyd Yaxley. Also added to the coaching staff this season is assistant Hayley Siegel.

Parsons and his staff led the Spirit to the playoffs last year finishing 10-9-5 in the regular season. The Spirit lost a close semi-final match in Seattle against the Reign to conclude the 2014 campaign.

All three U.S. Women’s National Team players from last year will be returning including goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defenders Ali Krieger and Crystal Dunn.

Other national team players on the team this season include Veronica Perez who is returning from last season and Ari Romero, an off season acquisition from the Houston Dash. Canadian international Diana Matheson is returning to her third season with the Spirit.

Perez, Romero, and Matheson will join the Spirit following the World Cup at which point they will be added to the roster.

The Spirit have strengthened nearly every area of the field during the offseason with a bevy of signings.

Defensively, the Spirit picked up three defenders in the 2015 NWSL College Draft including Megan Oyster, Caprice Dydasco, and Whitney Church. The back line has also been injected with more experienced players including Katherine Reynolds and Estelle Johnson who both previously played for the Western New York Flash.

In midfield, the addition of Angela Salem from Western New York and Joanna Lohman from the Boston Breakers will bring a strong defensive element. Meanwhile, Amanda Da Costa who most recently played for FAWSL Champion Liverpool Ladies will be a welcome attacking option.

Up top, the Spirit will be looking to an international trio including Spanish striker Laura del Rio, Argentine striker Estefania Banini and Nigerian striker Francisca Ordega to produce goals as the primary attacking force for the side. The Spirit’s American forwards Tiffany Weimer and Caroline Miller are both returning from injuries sustained in 2014 and both will be options as they regain match fitness and sharpness.

Washington Spirit 2015 Roster
Goalkeepers (2): Ashlyn Harris, Kelsey Wys
Defenders (8): Ali Krieger, Crystal Dunn, Whitney Church, Alex Singer, Estelle Johnson, Megan Oyster, Katherine Reynolds, Caprice Dydasco
Midfielders (5): Christine Nairn, Tori Huster, Angela Salem, Amanda Da Costa, Joanna Lohman
Forwards (5): Laura del Rio, Francisca Ordega, Estefania Banini, Caroline Miller, Tiffany Weimer

The Washington Spirit will begin its 2015 season on the road facing the Houston Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday, April 10. The Spirit will make its home debut against FC Kansas City at Maureen Hendricks Field the following weekend at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.

Mark Parsons on Winning Game Plan (VIDEO)

Coach Mark Parsons on the Washington Spirit Turnover YouTube

In this MyMCMedia Extra, Washington Spirit coach Mark Parsons shares some of his goals for a winning season. The Washington Spirit kick off the season on April 10 in Houston. The pro soccer team will play its home opener on April 18 against Kansas City at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Diana Matheson (8) of the Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is a professional women’s soccer team based here in Montgomery County. They made the playoffs last year and are training to win it all this year. MyMCMedia’s Sonya Burke reports. Before the Spirit takes on Kansas City on April 18, they are playing some exhibition games against some college teams. The Spirit […]

In this MyMCMedia Extra, Coach Mark Parsons talks about the team’s exciting roster. The Washington Spirit kick off the season on April 10 in Houston. The pro soccer team will play its home opener on April 18 at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

With 2015 National Women’s Soccer League season set to begin this weekend, the Washington Spirit released its 2015 roster on April 6. The Spirit will once again be lead by general manager and head coach Mark Parsons. Parsons is assisted by returning assistant coach KJ Spisak and goalkeeping coach Lloyd Yaxley. Also added to the […]

In this MyMCMedia Extra video, Washington Spirit Head Coach Mark Parsons underscores how important the fans are to the players on the field. Take a look: The Spirit’s first home game is on April 18 at the Maryland SoccerPlex against Kansas City. For more Washington Spirit coverage, see below:

How much turnover has there been on the Washington Spirit’s roster since Coach Mark Parsons took over? Find out in this MyMCMedia extra: The Washington Spirit will play its home opener on April 18 at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Christine Nairn Scoring Game in and Game Out is the Plan YouTube

In this MyMCMedia Extra video, midfielder Christine Nairn of the Washington Spirit talks about the team’s winning game plan this season. Take a look: The Spirit’s home opener is on April 18th against Kansas City at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Washington Spirit take on Kansas City on April 18th at the Maryland SoccerPlex. During a recent interview with MyMCMedia, Spirit Head Coach Mark Parsons said it is important for the fans to turn out for the home opener. Take a look:

In this MyMCMedia Extra, Joanna Lohman of the Washington Spirit is asked what is it like to be a professional soccer player. She said it is the best job in the world. Take a look: Lohman grew up in Montgomery County and attended Springbrook High School. She plays midfield for the Spirit. Related:

The Washington Spirit will face the University of Virginia on Saturday, March 28 at the Maryland Soccerplex. Last week, the Spirit won convincingly in a preseason match up against Virginia Tech, 4-0. UVA is a perennial power in women’s college soccer consistently finishing as one of the top teams in the country. Last year the […]

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Washington Spirit Announces Its 2015 Roster

Mark Parsons on Winning Game Plan (VIDEO)

Washington Spirit Players Train for Season Ahead (VIDEO)

Coach Mark Parsons Talks about the Washington Spirit Roster (VIDEO)