While the two call-ups to the U.S. Women’s World Cup squad departed the Washington Spirit a few weeks ago, the two Aussies and the Jamaican selected by their respective national teams made their farewell appearances Saturday.
And so beginning this week, and for one to two months, the Spirit will attempt to fill roster gaps and adjust to the National Women’s Soccer League campaign without several key players.
The Spirit is not alone; each of the nine teams will feel the impact of the sport’s premier competition, which falls in the middle of the league calendar.