Follow Your Spirit

There wasn't any player interviews this week because of a hectic work week some Spirit players have had with the team and other events. Don't be disappointed, though, because we have a great conversation featuring our own Jordan Small and Monica Esenwein from Backline Soccer. Jordan, Monica, and myself discuss the nominations for the NWSL awards, the Spirit's goalkeeper situation, and our thoughts on the Spirit v Chicago playoff game. We hope to see you all at the Plex tonight. If you won't be there, be sure to watch the live stream on YouTube. @jols98 @Monz59 @SpiritCoverage

The second episode of the week features Jordan Small and Caitlin Buckley. Jordan Small is Follow Your Spirit's game recap writer and Caitlin Buckley is a contributor at Black and Red United. Jordan and Caitlin talk about the Spirit's performance against the Reign, who they believe should get player of the year, the different lineups the Spirit have used, and how they believe the playoffs will shake down. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Twitter @SpiritCoverage.

Lori Lindsey joins us this week on Follow Your Spirit.  She played with the Washington Spirit in 2013 and 2014 and is known among the fans as "Lightning." Lori and Tim talk about the performance of the Spirit, the growth of the NWSL, and she calls her final two teams for the championship in Houston. Be sure to hop onto Twitter and thank Lori for joining us @LoriLindsey6.  

The second episode this week features Monica Esenwein from Backline Soccer. Monica and I have been sharing a media table at Spirit home games all season and have gotten to know each other pretty well during that period. Her colleagues at Backline Soccer have been very kind to have me on their programming and I thought it was only fitting to have her on mine. The first half of this episode is about the win on Wednesday night against the Reign, the potential playoff match-up, and how we feel about the Spirit overall. The second half addresses the national anthem controversy from the same game. I served in the military and Monica comes from a military family, so we both had plenty to say about the situation.  If you're not ineterested in more national anthem banter, don't worry, the first 25 minutes is all about the Spirit. Please, take the time to listen to that, because that's what is most important right now. Follow our guest on Twitter @Monz59

It's been a while but we're back! This week featuring Washington Spirit defender Alyssa Kleiner. Spirit are coming off a 1-1 draw against Western New York. Wednesday night and Sunday night are both against their nemesis, Seattle Reign. This interview with Alyssa was recorded about two weeks ago, so some of the questions are set for the end of the Olympic break (Just an FYI, so you have context). Enjoy my conversation with Alyssa Kleiner and be sure to follow us on Twitter @SpiritCoverage.  

This week on the podcast I have Chris and Jenn from the Spirit Squadron and midfielder Christine Nairn. First, Chris and Jenn talk to us about the inception of the Spirit Squadron, being fans of the Spirit, and how fans can help the NWSL grow. Then, Christine Nairn returns to the podcast. She was one of the first to appear on the show, but that was before I had a typical interview flow. Now, she's back to answer our usual questions and talk about stepping up as captain during the Olympic break. Enjoy!

This week's podcast features our own Jordan Small and Spirit forward Cheyna Williams. In the first segment, Jordan breaks down what she saw this past week in New Jersey and what she hopes to see from the Spirit at the Plex on July 30th. The second segment is the feature interview with Cheyna Williams. Cheyna talks to us about how she got into soccer, how she's adapting into the league, and how she's improving as a player. Also, find out which player is most likely to have a body buried in their back yard, who is most likely to be a secret agent, and who may miss practice due to a Netflix binge. Take a listen and let us know what you think using #FollowYourSpirit. @CheynaLee20 (Guest) @jols98 (Guest) @SpiritCoverage (Official Account) @TimLawson21 (Host)

This week's podcast featured defender Whitney Church. I was not at the game in Kansas City so I do not have any post-game audio to showcase.  So, this episode gets right to the chase with a feature interview with Whitney. Whitney talks to us about growing up with soccer, going pro, her chemistry with the team, starting against FCKC, and more. Be sure to tune into the game on YouTube to watch the Spirit play Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. @whitchurch17 @SpiritCoverage

Hello Spirit fam! This week's podcast features defender Megan Oyster and Coach Jim Gabarra. As I mention in the episode, I was out on business travel and was not able to get any other audio or video out this week, but I wanted to include Coach Gabarra's post-game from the Chicago game in today's podcast. I believe his comments and insights are interesting to consider coming out of and going into each game.  After Coach's comments is my interview with Megan Oyster. Megan talks to us about her life in soccer, her chemistry with the team, the growth of the league, and who may have a body buried in their back yard - spoiler: It's not who you think it is. Enjoy the podcast and be sure to watch the Spirit take on FCKC tonight at 7:00 on YouTube! @MeganOyster @SpiritCoverage @TimLawson21  

This week on Follow Your Spirit I talk with defender Caprice Dydasco. The episode begins with two post-game interviews from Coach Gabarra and Christine Nairn.  The second segment features my interview with Dydasco. We talk about the usual subjects like how she got into soccer, her chemistry with the team, and how she's prepared for the match tonight against Chicago Red Stars. Caprice also answers the question: Who is most likely to have a body buried in her backyard? Her answer may be concerning. Enjoy today's episode and I hope to see you at the Plex! @CapriceDydasco @SpiritCoverage

It's game day! Today's podcast will reflect on last week's loss, preview today's game, and feature Kelsey Wys. The Spirit were flat against Sky Blue last week and it led to a disappointing loss. Now that the Olympic team players are gone, new leadership has a chance to step up and bring the Spirit back to winning form. The first segment off today's show includes post-game interviews with Coach Gabarra and Crystal Dunn.  Following that is my interview with goalkeeper Kelsey Wys. Kelsey talks about how she got into soccer, her chemistry with the team, and which player is most likely to have a body buried in their back yard. Let us know if you agree with Kelsey's answer. Which Spirit player would you expect to have that? Tell us on Twitter: @KelseyWys @SpiritCoverage @TimLawson

New Follow Your Spirit features audio from Ashlyn Harris and Shelina Zadorsky. The first segment is Ashlyn Harris's post-game interview after the Spirit's 2-0 victory over Orlando. The second segment is my feature interview with Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky. Shelina talks with me about how she got into soccer, her chemistry with the team, her game day routine, and which player is most likely to be abducted by aliens. This will be the only episode released this week. I hope to see everyone at the Plex! @Shelina6 (Guest) @TimLawson21 (Host) @SpiritCoverage (Official Account) @LawsonEntertain (Production)

Game day is here! Today's podcast will preview the sold out game versus Orlando and feature an interview with midfielder Tori Huster. Caitlin Buckley from Black and Red United joins me to talk how the Spirit and Pride match up. Directly following that segment is my interview with Tori Huster. Tori talks about her life in soccer, her chemistry with the team, the Orlando game, and which teammate could have their own talk show. Enjoy the podcast and hopefully I will see you at the Plex! Let us know if you enjoyed this episode on Twitter using #FollowYourSpirit. @ToriHuster (Guest) @caitlinbuckley2 (Guest) @TimLawson21 (Host) @SpiritCoverage (Official Account) @LawsonEntertain (Production)

Estelle Johnson is today's guest on #FollowYourSpirit! The podcast begins with some post-game audio from the 1-1 draw in Boston. Coach Beard talks about matching up against the Spirit and Coach Gabarra reflects on how his team played. Then, we hear from Estelle Johnson. She has not played a minute for the Spirit yet this season, but she is more than ready. Estelle talks with Tim about her life in soccer, preparing to play, her chemistry with the team, and more. Also, learn which Spirit Squadron chants are her favorite. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and let us know if you enjoyed the podcast. @EstelleJohnson (Guest) @TimLawson21 (Host) @SpiritCoverage (Official Account) @LawsonEntertain (Production)

I held a Twitter poll so fans could vote for the next interview, and they voted for Joanna Lohman. It's no surprise, really. Joanna is a fan-favorite across the league. Each week you can see her Twitter getting attention from local Spirit fans and opposing fans alike. Joanna Lohman is actually a significant reason Follow Your Spirit exists. After the 2015, I met Joanna Lohman after we did an interview for a different podcast. She spoke with me about women's soccer and how underrepresented it is in the media. That inspired me to start this outlet. So, if you enjoy Follow Your Spirit, thank Joanna Lohman. Joanna and I discussed a number of things including: Her amazing start to the 2016 season The unsung hero of the team Which Ninja Turtle would match which teammate Her engagement with fans What to expect from the JoHawk this season Be sure to follow us on Twitter and let me know what you think of the interview. @JoannaLohman (Guest) @TimLawson21 (Host) @SpiritCoverage (Official Twitter account) @LawsonEntert

The Spirit are coming off a tough loss against Portland as they head into Houston to face the Dash.  Crystal Dunn and Ali Krieger are out this weekend to play with the USWNT, so the Spirit will have to step up in their absence to prove they're not the team that suffered a 4-1 loss to the Thorns. This week's podcast features a member of SpiritFam, Mary Leatherman, and contributor at SpiritCoverage.com, Jordan Small. Both of them provide their thoughts on the Spirit's season so far and how they think Washington will stack up against Houston. Enjoy! Note: I may reference Dunn and Krieger as if they were playing with Washington this week. Both players will be with the national team. I got lost in conversation and forgot that detail when discussing them.

Week 6 is here! Washington Spirit head to Portland to face the Thorns. Both teams go into the match undefeated, so there is a lot both teams can prove with a win tonight. This week's episode features sound bites from Coach Gabarra, Crystal Dunn, and Joanna Lohman on teamwork and camaraderie. Then, a few minutes previewing the match in Portland. The podcast wraps up with a fun interview with rookie forward Cali Farquharson. Enjoy! #WhenIRoot

Week 5 is upon us! The undefeated Washington Spirit look to stay atop the table when they take on Houston Dash. Caitlin Buckley from Black and Red United joins me to talk about how the Spirit match up, how they've looked so far this season, and some predictions and guesses as we look ahead. Thanks for listening! The Washington Spirit host Houston Dash on Saturday, May 14 at the Maryland SoccerPlex.    

This week's episode of Follow Your Spirit focuses on one player: Stephanie Labbe.  First, we here Stephanie's post-game interview after their 0-0 draw against the Portland Thorns.  Then, we get a full interview with her talking about game day preparation, meditation, pancakes, Spirit's early success, and more. Thank you for taking the time to listen. Follow us on Twitter at @SpiritCoverage.

Follow Your Spirit is back with more insight and analysis on your Washington Spirit. In this episode I look ahead to the week four match up versus the Portland Thorns. Included in this episode is an interview with Christina Nairn. Enjoy!