NWSL Spirit "Not Far" From Breaking Even After Exceeding Attendance Expectations

The NWSL Washington Spirit "succeeded in reintroducing women's soccer" to the DC area, as the team's average attendance of 3,626 at Maryland SoccerPlex "surpassed expectations," according to Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. While team Owner Bill Lynch did not provide specifics, he said he was "not far off" from breaking even. Goff noted the Portland Thorns averaged 13,320, which is an "outlier in a league that set modest goals and averaged crowds of about 4,300 in the regular season." NWSL average attendance "without Portland’s input" is only 2,900. The Spirit's average attendance is fourth-best in the league, and Lynch "targeted 3,000 fans per game at SoccerPlex" before the season. Lynch said, "It's a great place to build from, for sure. ... I was reasonably convinced the fans were here anyway." He added that he and the league's other owners seven team owners are "committed to next season." Lynch: "I am prepared to ride it until it's successful" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/18).