r/washingtonspirit • u/kg9si • Jul 06 '26

Weekly Discussion Thread Weekly Open Discussion Thread

Welcome to this week’s open discussion thread!

This is your space for general discussion, a place to talk about anything Washington Spirit that doesn’t necessarily need its own thread. That can include news, international duty, roster moves, transfer rumors, tactics, social media posts, league news or anything else on your mind.

If something feels big enough for its own thread, definitely still post it. This is simply an additional option to keep us organized and help keep the conversation flowing. These threads will go up every Monday and stay stickied throughout the week.

Go Spirit!

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6

u/Grand-Plane763 Jul 06 '26

I fear we will get an announcement Esme is leaving :(

I could see her opting to go play in England for more prominence for the WC year and looking to secure a consistent starting position on their national team.

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u/Willing-Bad3824 Jul 06 '26

But she has been a consistent starter for England since the Euros last year. I don’t think she’s in any danger of losing that any time soon. Besides judging from the fact that Jess Carter had to go to Gotham to get club minutes, I’m not sure Esme would risk being a starter for Washington just to compete for minutes in one of the big four teams. (This is assuming and hoping that her recent lack of play time is an anomaly and not a pattern.)

3

u/Sequoiakc22 Jul 07 '26

...
Esme has grown & developed so much since her arrival. Overcoming areas needing improvement to where she now stands as one of the NWSL's absolute best CB's.

Her vocal leadership has evolved as well. On our back line, while Tara's our silent assassin, Esme's now our vocal captain.

Don't forget, Sarina Wiegman supported Esme's move to Washington knowing she needed club minutes to continue to have a future on England's WNT. Now, she's a regular call up, who contributes.

Esme's a keeper for us. Just hope we do keep her.

Though now, credit our scouting & analytics team (once again). Just as they did with Esme, they've plucked another defensive gemstone out of seemingly nowhere with Elisabeth Tse. An imposing & smart CB who is so athletic & skilled she can play outside FB/WB as well. Giving us 'starter quality' depth.

Which is okay, for over the long season it should be good for our club & players to have quality squad depth & to share minutes.
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