2018 Washington Spirit schedule announced

The Washington Spirit’s 2018 schedule has been announced, with each NWSL team playing 24 games for the second consecutive season. Washington will open on the road against Seattle Reign FC on March 24 before playing the Orlando Pride on March 31 for the Spirit’s home opener. That match will be televised nationally on Lifetime.

Washington will play 12 home games, the last one coming on September 1. There will be two weeknight home games, one in May and the other in August, both of which will be at 7:30pm. Save for the three Lifetime games, which kick off at 3:50pm, all other home games kick off at 7:00pm. The Spirit will play each of the eight other NWSL teams three times. The regular season concludes on the weekend of September 8 but thanks to the odd number of teams, the Spirit do not play that weekend.

One home game, against Portland Thorns FC on August 25, is currently listed without a set venue. This could potentially be at Audi Field, D.C. United’s new home at Buzzard Point. In an interview following the NWSL College Draft, Spirit president Chris Hummer said the the only thing standing between setting such a game up was the NWSL schedule.

“We have terms agreed [with United], it’s up to the scheduling gods now. It’s a priority for us, we’re lobbying the league to do it,” said Hummer. “The only thing left is the schedule. The league has to fit it into their schedule and as a night game with the right opponent.“

Due to United’s densely-packed slate of home games, the weekend of August 25 is the one weekend that leaves the new venue open for the Spirit. “We don’t want to risk [a game at Audi Field] being on a weekday or that sort of thing. [August 25] is the only day that’s available, that the Nats aren’t playing, while the stadium is open, while we’re in season,” emphasized Hummer. “That whole weekend is available. We want to do a night game on Saturday night, and we’re just waiting for the schedule to come out.”