Three Players to Watch: Washington Spirit

(image via Washington Spirit)

The Houston Dash return this week from the NWSL’s month-long break with a trip to the nation’s capital. Here are three Washington Spirit players to keep an eye on in the match.

Trinity Rodman

The USWNT attacker endured a difficult start to the season, battling lower back injuries that limited her time on the field. Since returning, however, she has proven to be exactly what the Spirit needed to secure crucial points. In just six appearances since coming back, she has recorded three goals and four assists. With plenty of the season still remaining, she will have ample opportunity to continue making an impact in the final third.

Leicy Santos

The Colombian midfielder is the heartbeat of this team. In her third season with the club, she has already surpassed last year's production, tallying four goals and two assists. The attack flows through her, and she sets the tempo whenever the Spirit are in possession. If Washington hopes to come away with a victory, she will need to be at the center of everything they do. Fortunately for the Spirit, she has plenty of attacking talent around her to help make that happen.

Sandy MacIver

In her second season with the Spirit, MacIver’s role has expanded significantly following the maternity leave of longtime starter Aubrey Kingsbury. Many expected a noticeable drop-off when MacIver stepped into the starting role, but she has more than held her own. She has recorded five clean sheets this season and has emerged as one of the league's top goalkeepers. If she continues her current form, she will be firmly in the conversation for Goalkeeper of the Year honors.