Washington Spirit Announces Plans to Celebrate Returning Olympians, Gold Medalists

Spirit will welcome home six players from Paris Games

Washington, D.C. (08/15/2024) – The Washington Spirit will recognize the team’s six players returning from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris over the course of its next three home matches, the club announced today.

At this summer’s Olympics in France, the Spirit sent six representatives to compete for their respective home countries. Defender Gabby Carle was part of Canada’s gold medal-defending roster, newly signed midfielder Leicy Santos played for Colombia and forward Trinity Rodman and defender Casey Krueger were named to the United States’ final 18-player roster. First-year midfielders Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt made the trip as alternates for the U.S.

Sunday, August 18: Spirit vs. Arsenal

Prior to Sunday, August 18’s friendly against Arsenal, the Spirit will welcome back Carle and Santos from their Olympic appearances. This match will also represent Santos’ first match at Audi Field as she joined the Spirit this week after signing with the club in the spring. Carle and Santos will be recognized on the field before kickoff in a moment of celebration for their achievements as Olympians.

Sunday, August 25: Spirit vs. Kansas City Current / Arsenal vs. Chelsea

Next week, ahead of the doubleheader at Audi Field on Sunday, August 25, the Spirit will recognize its U.S. players in their return to DC after helping the U.S. Women’s National Team secure its fifth Olympic gold medal. In addition to an on-field recognition before the match kicks off, fans will be able to match Rodman’s iconic Olympic look by visiting a pink hair braiding station on the concourse.

Appearing in all six of the United States’ Olympic matches, both Rodman and Krueger had significant impact on the team’s path to victory. Rodman tallied three goals and an assist, including an extra time stunner to take down Japan in the quarterfinal. Bethune was named to the matchday roster for all three group stage matches and even made her Olympic debut late in the game against Australia.

Saturday, September 7: Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC

The Spirit will hold a gold medal celebration ceremony at Audi Field when Sophia Smith, Sam Coffey and Portland Thorns FC come to town. Featuring special pyrotechnics and a presentation of the American flag on the pitch, this pre-match ceremony will give the Spirit’s world champions their flowers in front of the rowdy home fans at Audi Field.

Upon entry to the stadium, fans will receive a special giveaway to commemorate the historic United States gold medal. On the concourse before and during the match, fans will also be able to visit the face-painting station at Spiritville to get a patriotic makeover.

Beginning this weekend, the Spirit will return to action in the inaugural Spirit International Friendlies, hosting legendary English clubs Arsenal and Chelsea at Audi Field. The Spirit will take on Arsenal on Sunday, August 18 before a historic doubleheader the following week. On Sunday, August 25, the Spirit will return to regular season play and face Kansas City Current at noon EDT with a chance to jump into second place in the league before Arsenal and Chelsea square off in the English rivals’ first-ever matchup in the United States. Two weeks later, the Spirit will host Portland Thorns FC in another matchup between top NWSL teams. Tickets to these momentous events are available here. Fans can also purchase their own 2024 Spirit jerseys and merchandise at WashingtonSpirit.com/shop.

About The Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. In 2024, the Spirit drafted an epic class of rookies who are already breaking records and wowing fans. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.