Spirit Spotlight

Relentless Spirit: The Journey to the Championship

The Washington Spirit are heading to the 2024 NWSL Championship, so in this week’s Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich break down the Spirit's dramatic playoff run. The two relive the late-game heroics from both Tara McKeown and Hal Hershfelt, the standout performances from Heather Stainbrook and McKenna Morris, along with Aubrey Kingsbury’s jaw-dropping penalty saves. Plus, hear insights from the broadcast booth as they discuss what it will take for the Spirit to secure their second NWSL title. Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App [https://www.sportscapitoldc.com/app/]. Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 23rd vs Orlando Pride Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Flc17d&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258028230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nmiInZMiM8Y61spUOtrVziKa53zdzX6PyXA7xMyt5io%3D&reserved=0]), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84 [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Fhzo84&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258036160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2iUMeQ8MdJSoL20V6c8boZQYyHFxYJ%2FEtLY%2BYNS0oOQ%3D&reserved=0]), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FXatif&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258044187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5CORQ07QisjkLDktpX9%2F1K%2FRZJutTB8bPVz1p3W3NOI%3D&reserved=0]), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FJZ-tJ&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258051388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fyYUNGm3NWbNmTFg%2F4UFY%2BsXnWYJof%2BTJLU5zGUyQK8%3D&reserved=0]) See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Semifinal Clash at Audi: Previewing the Washington Spirit’s High-Stakes Match with Gotham FC

This week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein and Michael Minnich dive deep into the thrilling NWSL semifinals as the Washington Spirit gear up to face Gotham FC at Audi Field! With a high noon kickoff on Saturday, we break down the Spirit's journey to their first home semifinal since 2016. The two then analyze key players, including Trinity Rodman and the impact of crucial lineup changes. To close things out, Bram and Mike recap the team’s electric quarterfinal victory, highlighted by late-match heroics, record-breaking crowds, and standout performances. Will the Spirit's confidence, bolstered by rookie resilience and tactical flair, carry them to victory? Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App [https://www.sportscapitoldc.com/app/]. Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 16th vs Gotham FC Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Flc17d&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258028230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nmiInZMiM8Y61spUOtrVziKa53zdzX6PyXA7xMyt5io%3D&reserved=0]), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84 [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Fhzo84&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258036160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2iUMeQ8MdJSoL20V6c8boZQYyHFxYJ%2FEtLY%2BYNS0oOQ%3D&reserved=0]), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FXatif&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258044187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5CORQ07QisjkLDktpX9%2F1K%2FRZJutTB8bPVz1p3W3NOI%3D&reserved=0]), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FJZ-tJ&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258051388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fyYUNGm3NWbNmTFg%2F4UFY%2BsXnWYJof%2BTJLU5zGUyQK8%3D&reserved=0]) See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Regular Season Wrap: The Washington Spirit Radio Network’s Broadcast Booth recaps the 2024 NWSL Regular Season, while previewing the Playoffs

In this special playoff edition of Spirit Spotlight, the broadcast booth -Bram Weinstein, Gaby Vincent and Michael Minnich- delves into the Washington Spirit's journey to clinch the No. 2 seed. Despite a season filled with setbacks, including key injuries to stars like Andi Sullivan, Croix Bethune and Trinity Rodman, the Spirit's resilience has been unmatched. From clutch victories and new players stepping up to overcome hurdles, the team has shown why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Join our crew as they break down pivotal moments, relive the highs and lows, and preview the Spirit's first playoff clash with Bay FC at Audi Field. Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App [https://www.sportscapitoldc.com/app/]. Next radio streaming broadcast: Sunday, November 10th vs Bay FC Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Flc17d&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258028230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nmiInZMiM8Y61spUOtrVziKa53zdzX6PyXA7xMyt5io%3D&reserved=0]), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84 [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Fhzo84&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258036160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2iUMeQ8MdJSoL20V6c8boZQYyHFxYJ%2FEtLY%2BYNS0oOQ%3D&reserved=0]), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FXatif&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258044187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5CORQ07QisjkLDktpX9%2F1K%2FRZJutTB8bPVz1p3W3NOI%3D&reserved=0]), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FJZ-tJ&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258051388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fyYUNGm3NWbNmTFg%2F4UFY%2BsXnWYJof%2BTJLU5zGUyQK8%3D&reserved=0]) See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Rivalry Showdown: Tara McKeown on how the Spirit is Preparing for North Carolina

In this episode of Spirit Spotlight, ahead of the Washington Spirit’s last regular-season game, Michael Minnich sits down with defender Tara McKeown to discuss the team’s preparation for a high-stakes showdown against North Carolina. Tara shares how the team is managing the physical and mental demands of this late season push, along with the valuable lessons learned from teammates like Sam Staab and Aubrey Kingsbury. She also discusses how the Spirit's rookies have stepped up this season and the growth she's experienced alongside veteran teammates. Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App [https://www.sportscapitoldc.com/app/]. Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 2nd vs North Carolina Courage Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Flc17d&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258028230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nmiInZMiM8Y61spUOtrVziKa53zdzX6PyXA7xMyt5io%3D&reserved=0]), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84 [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Fhzo84&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258036160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2iUMeQ8MdJSoL20V6c8boZQYyHFxYJ%2FEtLY%2BYNS0oOQ%3D&reserved=0]), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FXatif&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258044187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5CORQ07QisjkLDktpX9%2F1K%2FRZJutTB8bPVz1p3W3NOI%3D&reserved=0]), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FJZ-tJ&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258051388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fyYUNGm3NWbNmTFg%2F4UFY%2BsXnWYJof%2BTJLU5zGUyQK8%3D&reserved=0]) See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Road to the Playoffs: Brittany Ratcliffe Reflects on the Washington Spirit’s Resilience and Growth this Season

Bram Weinstein hosts this week’s episode of Spirit Spotlight and is joined by Brittany Ratcliffe from the Washington Spirit as she reflects on an unforgettable season that felt like four seasons in one. From new coaches and players to unexpected injuries and challenges, Brittany dives into the team’s journey, their unwavering chemistry, and how they’ve grown stronger together. With playoff seeding on the line, Brittany shares the Spirit’s mindset heading into the season finale, the impact of player support, and the power of staying resilient amid change. Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App [https://www.sportscapitoldc.com/app/]. Next radio streaming broadcast: Saturday, November 2nd vs North Carolina Courage Subscribe to the podcast today on: Apple Podcasts (https://twtr.to/lc17d [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Flc17d&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258028230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nmiInZMiM8Y61spUOtrVziKa53zdzX6PyXA7xMyt5io%3D&reserved=0]), Spotify (https://twtr.to/hzo84 [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2Fhzo84&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258036160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2iUMeQ8MdJSoL20V6c8boZQYyHFxYJ%2FEtLY%2BYNS0oOQ%3D&reserved=0]), iHeart (https://twtr.to/Xatif [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FXatif&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258044187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5CORQ07QisjkLDktpX9%2F1K%2FRZJutTB8bPVz1p3W3NOI%3D&reserved=0]), Amazon Music (https://twtr.to/JZ-tJ [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwtr.to%2FJZ-tJ&data=05%7C02%7Cwardell.mccabe%40cumulus.com%7Cb41e3200c53c4f741cd208dc81c26b62%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C638527919258051388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fyYUNGm3NWbNmTFg%2F4UFY%2BsXnWYJof%2BTJLU5zGUyQK8%3D&reserved=0]) See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.