Head coach Richie Burke and the Washington Spirit’s three-year plan to win an NWSL championship was, like everything else, derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the NWSL not having anything close to a regular season — instead being the first league to return to competitive play in June/July with the 2020 Challenge Cup, then forming the Fall Series pod competition — the Spirit’s ambition remains undaunted. As such, they have (so far) been the busiest NWSL club this offseason.
Shortly after announcing the signing of 20-year-old forward/midfielder and Japanese international Saori Takarada, the Spirit confirmed the acquisition of USWNT star right back Kelley O’Hara.