DC Sports

The Washington Spirit drew, 0-0, with OL Reign in a thrilling contest. A record-setting 34,130 fans attended the match, becoming the largest crowd in NWSL history. The Spirit played their home games in Germantown full-time from the team’s first season in 2013 until the 2018 season. For the next two seasons, the team split its time between various stadiums including its current home stadium of Audi Field.

Former USWMNT player Megan Rapinoe was honored before and after the match in what was the final regular season home match of her career. Even though the Spirit rallied late with several near-goals, the score remained level after 90 minutes. Following the pregame ceremonies, the nationally televised bout between the Spirit and Reign began without much affair. The first 25 minutes of play saw both teams jockeying for chances without success. In that time, there were no shots on target and the Spirit was statistically outplayed. OL Reign controlled over 60% of possession, doubled the Spirit’s passes and logged ten touches in the opponent’s box compared to the Spirit’s one.

Jamison Crowder was picked by Washington in the fourth round with the 105th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. Now, Crowder will return to the team after signing to the practice squad, according to the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala.

Crowder played four seasons in Washington, catching over 200 passes in that time, before moving on to sign with the New York Jets. While with the Jets he had the best season of his career in terms of receptions, with 78 in 2019. Crowder stayed with the Jets until 2021 and played for the Bills last season. He provides quality receiver depth on the practice squad and has previous experience returning punts as well.

The Washington Commanders announced a $40 million investment in FedExField, funding significant upgrades to the stadium infrastructure and the overall fan experience. These upgrades include three new themed suites, new ticket scanning pedestals, point of sale upgrades, and updated Commanders branded imagery around the stadium, as well as maintenance repairs to the bowl and paint around the stadium.

“We have the best fans in football – and they deserve the best gameday experience. These upgrades to FedExField represent an immediate and tangible step to improve that experience, something our ownership group considers a top priority,” said Trista Langdon, Senior Vice President of Operations and Guest Experience. “Not only are we taking care of our fans, we’re also taking care of our house. Fans will continue to see improvements throughout the season as we continue to invest and make changes to everything from basic infrastructure to a re-imagined pregame ritual. We are excited for fans to come home and see all the changes on September 10.”

When ownership of the team changed hands earlier this month, many wondered is there was a chance the new ownership group would change the team’s name. Fuel was added to that fire when ESPN senior writer Don Van Natta Jr. stated on the Rich Eisen Show that “There’s a ‘pretty good chance’ the new ownership of the Washington Commanders will change the franchise name and have a ‘complete re-branding’ of the team.” Vegas has even released odds on the name-change happening and possibilities on what the new name could be (available below).

Today, Washington Commanders team President Jason Wright stated that the team would not be returning to its old name during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan. “It is not being considered. Period.” While it’s likely the team still undergoes a rebrand, the old name is not under consideration, according to Wright. Betting website BetOnline.AG has released odds on if the Commanders will change its name again and the odds on several choices for the team’s new name. They can be seen below: