Washington Spirit Signs Two National Team Replacement Players
Washington Spirit | June 28, 2023
Forward Mariana Speckmaier and defender Jordan Thompson join the active roster for summer window
Washington, D.C. (06/28/2023) – The Washington Spirit has signed two national team replacement (NTR) players to its active roster, the club announced today. Forward Mariana Speckmaier and defender Jordan Thompson will join the team after having trained with the club since January.
Speckmaier was originally drafted by the Spirit with the 39th overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft out of Clemson University. The forward made three appearances with the Spirit during the side’s 2021 NWSL Championship run before playing abroad in 2022. At the international level, Speckmaier has made nine appearances for the Venezuelan national team, scoring twice. In four seasons at Clemson, the southern Florida native native netted over 25 goals and earned Second Team All-ACC honors twice with the Tigers.
“It’s been great to be back training with the Spirit this year and I’m looking forward to returning to the NWSL pitch this summer,” said Speckmaier. “Our staff here has done a great job helping me to take the next steps in my game and I’m excited to keep contributing to the success this team has had so far this season.”
Originally from Sumner, Washington, Thompson was drafted by the Spirit with the 50th overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft out of Gonzaga University. She missed the 2022 season with an injury sustained during preseason camp and returned to the club for 2023 preseason camp. While competing with the Bulldogs, Thompson appeared in 81 matches over five seasons, seeing almost 7,200 minutes of playing time and earning Second Team All-WCC honors following the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign. This summer will mark Thompson’s first time on an NWSL active roster.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to sign my first professional contract with the Spirit,” said Thompson. “The Spirit has such a unique environment and I can’t wait to continue learning and developing with this team.”
“Mariana and Jordan will provide important depth to our roster this summer,” said Head Coach Mark Parsons. “The two of them have been very valuable players for this club in training this year and have helped us get better each week.”
With the Spirit, Speckmaier and Thompson will wear #36 and #37, respectively.
About The Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is the professional women’s soccer team based at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Launched in 2012, the Spirit plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the premier women’s soccer competition in North America. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
