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Washington Spirit finalize opening day roster

One week before the season starts, the Washington Spirit (as well as the rest of the NWSL teams) have announced their opening day roster.

By Ben Bromley
USA TODAY Sports

The start of the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League is but a few short days away, with the opening match for the Washington Spirit coming this Sunday against the Boston Breakers. Today the Spirit finalized their opening day roster, which combines players with experience on various national teams with recent college graduates.

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The most recognizable player on the Washington Spirit is Ali Krieger, recently returned from injury and playing again with the United States national team. Before her injury, she played for FFC Frankfurt. Another United States national teamer playing for the Spirit is Ashlyn Harris, a goalkeeper who has been a key backup for Hope Solo and who started a game in the most recent Algarve Cup. Lori Lindsey is the final member of the USWNT on the Spirit, a midfielder who has been another key backup under Pia Sundhage but who hasn't featured for the team since the pre-Olympic training camp.

Canadian national teamers on the Spirit include defenders Candace Chapman and Robyn Gayle as well as midfielder Diana Matheson, all of whom were on the bronze medal team at the London Olympics. Lupita Worbis is a midfielder and is the Mexican national team's representative in the District. Almost all of the other players on the team are either natives of the Greater Washington area or went to schools spanning from the University of Virginia to College Park.

While the Spirit open this weekend against the Breakers, their first home game (at the Maryland SoccerPlex) is April 20 against the Western NY Flash, who count Carli Lloyd (even though she's injured) and Abby Wambach among their players.

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