After a difficult
2017 season, the Spirit began rebuilding their team, continuing with a youth centered approach. Considered a successful
2018 draft, Washington recruited U.S. international
Andi Sullivan (no. 1 overall pick) and Canadian international
Quinn (no. 3 overall pick). In addition to the draft, the Spirit traded
Crystal Dunn's player rights for 2017 Rookie of the Year
Ashley Hatch and rookie outside back
Taylor Smith. The unfortunate folding of
Boston Breakers allowed the Spirit to bring in U.S. international playmaker,
Rose Lavelle via the subsequent
dispersal draft. What seemed to be only key loss for the Spirit was captain and anchor centerback,
Shelina Zadorsky, traded to
Orlando Pride for promising goalkeeper,
Aubrey Bledsoe. The season opened with a loss to
Seattle, but saw the return of
Joanna Lohman, held back in 2017 through injury, and scored in her substitute appearance. After several mediocre performances in March and April, the Spirit would struggle for the remainder of the season, winning only one more match (of two all season) against struggling
Sky Blue FC. A combination of injuries to forwards
Mallory Pugh,
Havana Solaun, and
Arielle Ship hamstrung the Spirit attack who were shutout 15 matches (including a 7-match streak). On August 21, after eight straight losses and being eliminated from playoff contention, the Spirit fired head coach,
Jim Gabarra, and appointed assistant coach,
Tom Torres as interim head coach. The last match of the season against
Sky Blue FC, the Spirit ended a league-record setting goal drought at 765-minutes after
Arielle Ship scored the opener of a 1–1 draw in the 71st minute. The match also earned
Aubrey Bledsoe the league-wide record for saves in a single season at 108. ==Club==