The NWSL 2025 regular season continues with an exciting matchup as Trinity Rodman`s Washington Spirit take on Ludmila`s Chicago Stars FC. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. ET at Audi Field, available on CBS and Paramount+.
Currently in second place, 12 points behind the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Shield race, the Spirit are well-positioned for another postseason berth. With nine weeks left in the regular season, there`s ample opportunity to close the gap, and Washington is proving to be a formidable contender for the league`s top spot against Kansas City.
Despite their second-to-last position in the league standings, Chicago boasts an impressive four-game unbeaten streak, including two dramatic come-from-behind draws. In both instances, the Stars overcame a three-goal deficit, largely due to a remarkable 10-minute hat-trick from Brazilian international Ludmila.
This Sunday`s match presents a chance for the Spirit to solidify their elite standing, while the Stars aim to upset expectations. With both teams fresh off record-setting performances, this encounter promises a compelling clash of distinct team philosophies.
Below are key storylines, viewing information, and additional details for the upcoming game:
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Sunday, August 31st
- Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
- Broadcast: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Betting Odds: Washington Spirit -210, Draw +300, Chicago Stars FC +400
Managing the Chaos
Last week, the Spirit secured another victory, a narrow 3-2 win against Bay FC at Oracle Park, witnessed by a record-setting away crowd. The challenging match highlighted the competitive balance prevalent in the league. Spirit manager Adrian Gonzalez acknowledged the difficulty of `normal games` in NWSL, emphasizing the team`s focus on their own performance while respecting opponents. He noted that both teams have conceded goals recently, providing an area for the Spirit to improve, especially in their upcoming home game. Gonzalez also pointed out the team`s strong starts but a need to manage the intense final minutes better, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the league`s late game-play.
Building a Winning Culture
The Washington Spirit have demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully navigating a season marked by injuries and a coaching transition. Key starters such as Trinity Rodman, Leicy Santos, and Casey Krueger have been carefully managed through various ailments. Crucially, sophomore talents Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune, who emerged as starting-caliber players in their rookie seasons, have returned from early-season sidelines, providing a significant boost. Bethune, the 2024 NWSL Rookie and Midfielder of the Year, notably scored her first goal since an eight-month absence against Bay FC. This deep roster has been pivotal, keeping the Spirit consistently in the top four since week three.
Gonzalez praises his young players` rapid improvement, noting their enhanced maturity and on-field connections. The coach`s philosophy emphasizes giving opportunities to all who are ready to compete, regardless of age or background, a strategy that has allowed the 2024 rookie class to gain valuable experience and contribute significantly to the team`s 25 goals this season. This wealth of talent has also led to strategic roster adjustments, including Makenna Morris`s trade to Racing Louisville FC and Meg Boade`s recent move to Chicago Stars FC, where she could potentially face her former team.
Sustainable Success & Leadership
Beyond strong scouting and roster depth, solidifying the head coaching role has been crucial for the Spirit. Despite initially attracting Jonatan Giraldez from FC Barcelona, his tenure was brief before he moved to Lyon. Adrian Gonzalez, who served as interim in 2024, stepped into the head coach position, and his second-year trajectory has mirrored the growth of his young squad. Gonzalez reflects on his personal development, focusing on effective communication and efficient time management to navigate the extensive responsibilities of a head coach in the NWSL.
The club`s transformation under owner Michelle King since her 2022 acquisition is remarkable. From missing the postseason in 2022-2023, the Spirit became 2024 NWSL Championship runners-up and 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup winners, establishing themselves as clear contenders. This success is attributed to strong scouting, a robust team culture, and Gonzalez`s leadership in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment where new players can quickly integrate and thrive, regardless of their background.
