Croix Bethune wanted this for a long time. The Washington Spirit midfielder finally broke through on a historic stage, scoring her first goal since June 2024 in front of an NWSL record crowd of 40,091 at San Francisco’s Oracle Park.
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The Spirit built an early lead then held onto it for a 3-2 victory on Saturday, marking their sixth win on the road this season. Overall, the team is undefeated in its last five matches.
But apart from the record crowd, the unique setting and all of the hoopla that went with it, the moment was a step forward for Bethune.
“I mean, it’s been a while,” she said afterward. “I’ve honestly been trying not to focus on scoring, because the more you overthink it, the worse it becomes. So just trying to let the game come to me and find it in that way and not forcing it. This one just kind of fell at my feet.”
Bethune’s rookie season (2024) was cut short in the weirdest of ways, when she injured her knee as she came off the mound after throwing out a cermonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game.
It was an unfortunate end to a stellar season: Bethune was named Rookie of the Month a record four times and then went on to earn both NWSL Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year honors. She finished with five goals and 10 assists in 17 matches.
Bethune was also named to the U.S. Olympic team as an alternate, but was added to the main roster when Jaedyn Shaw was injured.
The meniscus injury sidelined her until April 26, when she came in as a late sub against Gotham. She also returned to the national team this past June.
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As the Spirit return to full strength, with Trinity Rodman back in the starting lineup, it’s clear the team is getting more comfortable. This is a drastic turnaround from April, where at one point the team’s unavailable list numbered 11 players.
Coach Adrián González noted that the Spirit scored 10 goals last week — seven against Alianza in a CONCACAF W Champions Cup and then three against Bay.
“We are feeling really comfortable on the ball. We are starting to create those connections and players are understanding the spaces that we want to occupy. We are scoring goals and I think that’s something that’s important. Today for example, Croix could score, something that she was trying,” González said.
Bethune said she feels like the Spirit is coming together at just the right time as the league gets closer to the postseason.
“I feel like this team is very deep and very versatile. So to have people coming off injury that can get back in the groove, and then people that are necessarily coming off the bench, I feel like the sky’s the limit for us. And not just focusing on the first 11 that are out there, but when the next people come in, that energy and that level will be lifted,” Bethune said.
Known for her passing ability (and her amazing fashion sense), Bethune said she was grateful to be part of history on Saturday.
“Just being a part of the growth of the NWSL. I mean this is history, playing in a baseball field, maybe next we can play at an NFL Stadium,” she said. “But just to grow the league. Little girls, even little boys, they’re looking up to us, and it’s on the rise. Like I feel this is just the beginning, so to be part of it is amazing, but continuing to help it grow for the future? Where will we be?” Where will we be?””
LINKS:
Heartbreaking: Barbra Banda out for the rest of the season.
Bay FC and Spirit draw a record crowd at San Francisco’s Oracle Park
The Athletic with an exclusive: Berman threatened to fine the Current over heat delay
Pride sign Lizbeth Ovalle on record-breaking transfer from Tigres
The Equalizer looks at the MVP candidates
Ludmilla had a record-breaking hat trick this morning.
The Seattle Times sat down with Berman.
The NWSLPA hopes that the league learns from the heat debacle.
Great Read: Women’s Football Moves Mountains in Pakistan
How the Bay Area became the capital of women’s sports
Caldenty and Smith earn PFA player awards.
Feature on the Bangladeshi women’s football team
Nice feature on Mariona Caldenty
Leah Williamson to miss the start of the Super League season with a knee injury
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