Sep 29, 2021

The Spirit are struggling to find the right mix after their 2016 NWSL playoff finish Spirit head coach Richard Burke has been terminated for cause Since joining the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Washington Spirit has had its ups and downs. Their best years were from 2014 to 2016 where they made the NWSL playoffs. However, it was in 2016 when the Spirit had their best performance, reaching the NWSL Final but losing out to the Western New York Flash. A big reason behind those good years were the notable players who suited up for Washington. Among the notable Spirit players include Crystal Dunn, Christine Nairn, Dianne Mattheson and Ali Krieger before all moved to new teams. Through it all, the Spirit underwent key changes. Richard Burke was appointed to take the coaching reins. While it appeared the Spirit were headed in the right direction, the 59-year-old found himself in hot water. Burke was placed on leave following reports that he had been verbally abusive to his players. After an investigation was done by the NWSL, the coach has now been terminated for cause. To make matters worse, the team was not spared. The NWSL has banned the Spirit from participating in league governance. They are giving the Spirit 14 days to respond to the violation notice. "As has been reported publicly, the National Women's Soccer League learned of serious allegations concerning the conduct of certain members of the Washington Spirit organization," the statement read. "Based on the investigation's findings and the NWSL's determination that the Washington Spirit head coach cannot work with any NWSL players, the Washington Spirit's head coach has been terminated for cause.” It remains to be seen how Baldwin will respond to these developments as the woes of the Spirit continue. The development comes not long after plans of a potential conversation with a team executive fell apart. The talk was originally set for August 27 on the Sports For All PH podcast but got nixed for some reason. Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke Photo: Getty Images | Tony Quinn/ISI Photos Loading...