Ella Brockway
@ellabrockway.bsky.social
sports @washingtonpost.com • soccer talk @heyspirits.bsky.social • past things @medillschool.bsky.social • #SeasIt
Reposted by Ella Brockway
column on jude bellingham and the media. race is an issue, of course. but it's also the fact that bellingham has no time whatsoever for the core belief of english football: that england is the centre of the footballing universe
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
England deserve a tide of goodwill, yet somehow Jude Bellingham is still a target | Jonathan Liew
It’s hard to disagree with Ian Wright when he suggests the midfielder has been subjected to a timeworn double standard
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:29 PM
column on jude bellingham and the media. race is an issue, of course. but it's also the fact that bellingham has no time whatsoever for the core belief of english football: that england is the centre of the footballing universe
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Ella Brockway
Happy Thanksgiving, Spirits!
We are so thankful for our listeners and all the love you've shown us throughout the year. Thanks also to the Spirit players and staff for giving us such an incredible season to enjoy together!
We are so thankful for our listeners and all the love you've shown us throughout the year. Thanks also to the Spirit players and staff for giving us such an incredible season to enjoy together!
November 27, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Happy Thanksgiving, Spirits!
We are so thankful for our listeners and all the love you've shown us throughout the year. Thanks also to the Spirit players and staff for giving us such an incredible season to enjoy together!
We are so thankful for our listeners and all the love you've shown us throughout the year. Thanks also to the Spirit players and staff for giving us such an incredible season to enjoy together!
The NWSL final between the Spirit and Gotham on CBS averaged 1.184 million viewers, making it the first game over the million mark and the most watched game in league history.
Up 22 percent from last year’s final, which averaged 967,900. That’s a solid jump.
Up 22 percent from last year’s final, which averaged 967,900. That’s a solid jump.
November 25, 2025 at 10:33 PM
The NWSL final between the Spirit and Gotham on CBS averaged 1.184 million viewers, making it the first game over the million mark and the most watched game in league history.
Up 22 percent from last year’s final, which averaged 967,900. That’s a solid jump.
Up 22 percent from last year’s final, which averaged 967,900. That’s a solid jump.
The Spirit's year ended on a dour note, but it's been very nice to hear so much kind listener feedback as we wrap up another season of the pod.
Thanks to all who hung with us for 51 (!!) episodes and made this year memorable. Grateful for how this project has become part of the D.C. ⚽ community.
Thanks to all who hung with us for 51 (!!) episodes and made this year memorable. Grateful for how this project has become part of the D.C. ⚽ community.
🌸NEW POD🌸
Annie, Ella & André do their best to process their way through a frustrating match that wouldn’t stop getting more frustrating. Come on in, it’s group therapy time.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/0FIl...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso
Annie, Ella & André do their best to process their way through a frustrating match that wouldn’t stop getting more frustrating. Come on in, it’s group therapy time.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/0FIl...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso
November 25, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The Spirit's year ended on a dour note, but it's been very nice to hear so much kind listener feedback as we wrap up another season of the pod.
Thanks to all who hung with us for 51 (!!) episodes and made this year memorable. Grateful for how this project has become part of the D.C. ⚽ community.
Thanks to all who hung with us for 51 (!!) episodes and made this year memorable. Grateful for how this project has become part of the D.C. ⚽ community.
“We Lost to the Team Whose Own Players Got in a Fight with Each Other in the Middle of the Match, You’ll Never Sing That”
November 24, 2025 at 9:57 PM
“We Lost to the Team Whose Own Players Got in a Fight with Each Other in the Middle of the Match, You’ll Never Sing That”
Reposted by Ella Brockway
🌸NEW POD🌸
Annie, Ella & André do their best to process their way through a frustrating match that wouldn’t stop getting more frustrating. Come on in, it’s group therapy time.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/0FIl...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso
Annie, Ella & André do their best to process their way through a frustrating match that wouldn’t stop getting more frustrating. Come on in, it’s group therapy time.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/0FIl...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso
November 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
🌸NEW POD🌸
Annie, Ella & André do their best to process their way through a frustrating match that wouldn’t stop getting more frustrating. Come on in, it’s group therapy time.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/0FIl...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso
Annie, Ella & André do their best to process their way through a frustrating match that wouldn’t stop getting more frustrating. Come on in, it’s group therapy time.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/0FIl...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso
Reposted by Ella Brockway
“I think it’s a big shock. This group completely believed that we would win. There was really no scenario where we didn’t lift that trophy today.”
The Washington Spirit’s run ends again in the NWSL final — this time against Rose Lavelle and Gotham FC. Reporting from PayPal Park:
The Washington Spirit’s run ends again in the NWSL final — this time against Rose Lavelle and Gotham FC. Reporting from PayPal Park:
Spirit’s run ends again in NWSL final, this time vs. Rose Lavelle and Gotham FC
The star U.S. midfielder scored in the 80th minute for the New Jersey-based team as Washington fell, 1-0, for the second straight year.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:52 AM
“I think it’s a big shock. This group completely believed that we would win. There was really no scenario where we didn’t lift that trophy today.”
The Washington Spirit’s run ends again in the NWSL final — this time against Rose Lavelle and Gotham FC. Reporting from PayPal Park:
The Washington Spirit’s run ends again in the NWSL final — this time against Rose Lavelle and Gotham FC. Reporting from PayPal Park:
Reposted by Ella Brockway
Adrián González on the Hershfelt substitution:
"With Hal's situation, we were receiving information that she wanted to continue, that she was trying [to do so]... It is circumstances that we need to learn [from]. Obviously now we can say the sub was late."
(? from @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social)
"With Hal's situation, we were receiving information that she wanted to continue, that she was trying [to do so]... It is circumstances that we need to learn [from]. Obviously now we can say the sub was late."
(? from @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social)
November 23, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Adrián González on the Hershfelt substitution:
"With Hal's situation, we were receiving information that she wanted to continue, that she was trying [to do so]... It is circumstances that we need to learn [from]. Obviously now we can say the sub was late."
(? from @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social)
"With Hal's situation, we were receiving information that she wanted to continue, that she was trying [to do so]... It is circumstances that we need to learn [from]. Obviously now we can say the sub was late."
(? from @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social)
Reposted by Ella Brockway
Trinity Rodman on the back knock she took at the end of the game, “I need the year to be over. To be honest, I need a break and a reset. the knock didn't feel great, not too happy about it, but I have off time now, so that's all I care about.”
November 23, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Trinity Rodman on the back knock she took at the end of the game, “I need the year to be over. To be honest, I need a break and a reset. the knock didn't feel great, not too happy about it, but I have off time now, so that's all I care about.”
Man, what a frustrating end to a season.
Yes, the 73rd-80th minute stretch swung this game, but there were issues beyond that. Spirit couldn't capitalize on the 10-minute stretch with Reale on the yellow. Nothing from three corners in three minutes. Zero (0) shots on target.
Yes, the 73rd-80th minute stretch swung this game, but there were issues beyond that. Spirit couldn't capitalize on the 10-minute stretch with Reale on the yellow. Nothing from three corners in three minutes. Zero (0) shots on target.
November 23, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Man, what a frustrating end to a season.
Yes, the 73rd-80th minute stretch swung this game, but there were issues beyond that. Spirit couldn't capitalize on the 10-minute stretch with Reale on the yellow. Nothing from three corners in three minutes. Zero (0) shots on target.
Yes, the 73rd-80th minute stretch swung this game, but there were issues beyond that. Spirit couldn't capitalize on the 10-minute stretch with Reale on the yellow. Nothing from three corners in three minutes. Zero (0) shots on target.
Reposted by Ella Brockway
There's just no denying it. The injury happened in the 73rd minute, the 10v11 spell let Gotham take some control they hadn't had for the entire 2nd half.
Adrian Gonzalez didn't get that one right. The extended time with 10 while Hershfelt got treatment, having her come back on when her step was gone, it all led to that Gotham goal
November 23, 2025 at 3:03 AM
There's just no denying it. The injury happened in the 73rd minute, the 10v11 spell let Gotham take some control they hadn't had for the entire 2nd half.
Rose Lavelle will do that to you any time of day, but she will especially do that to you when she is left that wide open in the box.
November 23, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Rose Lavelle will do that to you any time of day, but she will especially do that to you when she is left that wide open in the box.
Spirit players: This game is tense
Gotham players: This game is tense
Spirit and Gotham fans: This game is tense
Neutral observers: This game is tense
Michele Kang and Emma Hayes in the PayPal Park suite:
Gotham players: This game is tense
Spirit and Gotham fans: This game is tense
Neutral observers: This game is tense
Michele Kang and Emma Hayes in the PayPal Park suite:
November 23, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Spirit players: This game is tense
Gotham players: This game is tense
Spirit and Gotham fans: This game is tense
Neutral observers: This game is tense
Michele Kang and Emma Hayes in the PayPal Park suite:
Gotham players: This game is tense
Spirit and Gotham fans: This game is tense
Neutral observers: This game is tense
Michele Kang and Emma Hayes in the PayPal Park suite:
First-half thoughts: That was a nervy first 15 and a nervy final 15. Feels a bit like whichever team manages to take a deep breath and settle itself enough to create an opening could swing this game.
November 23, 2025 at 2:15 AM
First-half thoughts: That was a nervy first 15 and a nervy final 15. Feels a bit like whichever team manages to take a deep breath and settle itself enough to create an opening could swing this game.
That Lilly Reale yellow card in first-half stoppage time has the potential to make for a very interesting second half.
November 23, 2025 at 2:11 AM
That Lilly Reale yellow card in first-half stoppage time has the potential to make for a very interesting second half.
When you look up "crunching" [adjective] in the dictionary, they will show a picture of that Hal Hershfelt tackle.
November 23, 2025 at 2:01 AM
When you look up "crunching" [adjective] in the dictionary, they will show a picture of that Hal Hershfelt tackle.
The "D.C., rise up" chants are very audible on the CBS broadcast. Sounds like a great showing by the Spirit fans for a cross-country trip on short notice.
November 23, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The "D.C., rise up" chants are very audible on the CBS broadcast. Sounds like a great showing by the Spirit fans for a cross-country trip on short notice.
For the final game of The Season In Which Lineups Changed Literally Every Single Week to the Point Where I Made It a Really Long Recurring Podcast Bit, the Spirit rolls out with the same XI as last week.
Fitting, somehow.
Fitting, somehow.
Here are the starting lineups for the #NWSL final. As expected, Rodman on the bench for the Spirit.
November 23, 2025 at 12:12 AM
For the final game of The Season In Which Lineups Changed Literally Every Single Week to the Point Where I Made It a Really Long Recurring Podcast Bit, the Spirit rolls out with the same XI as last week.
Fitting, somehow.
Fitting, somehow.
I appreciate how Northwestern played that football game as if it had me personally in mind and knows I would prefer a trip to the Pinstripe Bowl over the Rate Bowl
November 22, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I appreciate how Northwestern played that football game as if it had me personally in mind and knows I would prefer a trip to the Pinstripe Bowl over the Rate Bowl
A great nugget from this clip is that Tara McKeown’s pregame pump-up song of choice is … “Fast Car”
November 22, 2025 at 4:23 PM
A great nugget from this clip is that Tara McKeown’s pregame pump-up song of choice is … “Fast Car”
Reposted by Ella Brockway
The @washingtonspirit.com plays for the NWSL championship tonight. The team long ago embraced the soul of D.C. From our @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social:
Column | How the Washington Spirit embraced the soul of D.C.
During an anxious time in the nation’s capital, the NWSL team and its fans cemented a bond.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The @washingtonspirit.com plays for the NWSL championship tonight. The team long ago embraced the soul of D.C. From our @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social:
Reposted by Ella Brockway
Greetings from PayPal Park, where Spirit Coach Adrián González confirmed that defender Gabrielle Carle (hamstring) will not be available to play in the NWSL final. That's not a surprise — Carle was jogging on the side with Andi Sullivan and not participating in training today.
November 21, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Greetings from PayPal Park, where Spirit Coach Adrián González confirmed that defender Gabrielle Carle (hamstring) will not be available to play in the NWSL final. That's not a surprise — Carle was jogging on the side with Andi Sullivan and not participating in training today.
“No pro franchise in town has leaned into the District, its residents and the issues they care about the way the Spirit has. It’s a beautiful combination of organic and intentional.”
Read Barry Svlurga in today’s @postsports.bsky.social:
Read Barry Svlurga in today’s @postsports.bsky.social:
Column | How the Washington Spirit embraced the soul of D.C.
During an anxious time in the nation’s capital, the NWSL team and its fans cemented a bond.
wapo.st
November 21, 2025 at 6:17 PM
“No pro franchise in town has leaned into the District, its residents and the issues they care about the way the Spirit has. It’s a beautiful combination of organic and intentional.”
Read Barry Svlurga in today’s @postsports.bsky.social:
Read Barry Svlurga in today’s @postsports.bsky.social:
Reposted by Ella Brockway
🌸BONUS POD🌸
Annie & André were delighted to chat with Rebeca Bernal and Narumi Miura! We love our international Spirits and appreciated Rebe & Rumi spending time with us in their second language.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2W6t...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #washingtonspirit
Annie & André were delighted to chat with Rebeca Bernal and Narumi Miura! We love our international Spirits and appreciated Rebe & Rumi spending time with us in their second language.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2W6t...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #washingtonspirit
November 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
🌸BONUS POD🌸
Annie & André were delighted to chat with Rebeca Bernal and Narumi Miura! We love our international Spirits and appreciated Rebe & Rumi spending time with us in their second language.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2W6t...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #washingtonspirit
Annie & André were delighted to chat with Rebeca Bernal and Narumi Miura! We love our international Spirits and appreciated Rebe & Rumi spending time with us in their second language.
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2W6t...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #washingtonspirit
Reposted by Ella Brockway
🌸NEW POD🌸
Annie, Ella & André preview the NWSL Championship! We discuss Gotham's style of play (and how to counter it), key players and "underdogs", then chat about NWSL Awards. #QueenT
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/4NVF...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #nwslchampionship
Annie, Ella & André preview the NWSL Championship! We discuss Gotham's style of play (and how to counter it), key players and "underdogs", then chat about NWSL Awards. #QueenT
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/4NVF...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #nwslchampionship
November 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🌸NEW POD🌸
Annie, Ella & André preview the NWSL Championship! We discuss Gotham's style of play (and how to counter it), key players and "underdogs", then chat about NWSL Awards. #QueenT
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/4NVF...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #nwslchampionship
Annie, Ella & André preview the NWSL Championship! We discuss Gotham's style of play (and how to counter it), key players and "underdogs", then chat about NWSL Awards. #QueenT
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/4NVF...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... #nwsl #woso #nwslchampionship