Croix Bethune Returns to Action with the Washington Spirit
After eight months of recovery due to an injury, Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune is gradually regaining her fitness, although she acknowledges that she is not yet at 100%. Bethune, who was part of the United States team that won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffered a meniscus injury while performing the ceremonial pitch at a Washington Nationals game in late August. Her return to competition came at the end of April.
I feel like 90%.
Croix Bethune
The 24-year-old player explained that she had a situation with her hip and quadriceps, which gave her more time to strengthen her knee and make sure she was 100% overall. Bethune, who was the NWSL Rookie of the Year last season, has been off the field for almost a year, during which time she saw her team finish as runners-up in the NWSL final against Orlando Pride. Now, she is happy to be back and focused on what’s next.
In just 17 games last season, Bethune proved to be one of the most outstanding rookies in NWSL history, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists, matching the league’s single-season assist record, set by Tobin Heath in 2016. Her performances earned her recognition as Rookie of the Month on four occasions before being named Rookie of the Year. In addition, she was included in the Best XI of the Month on three occasions and culminated the season being named NWSL Midfielder of the Year.
The injury forced her to watch Spirit’s race to the NWSL final from the bench. It wasn’t until March that Bethune was removed from the season-ending injury list, but she had to wait until the end of April to start her season, coming on as a substitute to play 10 minutes in the 0-3 home defeat against Gotham FC on a rainy night at Audi Field.
Despite Bethune’s return, the Washington Spirit’s local form has continued to be disappointing, with consecutive defeats against Gotham FC and a narrow 3-4 defeat against Angel City FC in the following match.
The Spirit began the season with a record of 13 players out of play, including Bethune and star forward Trinity Rodman, who is already in shape. Currently, there are 10 players still absent, including defender Casey Krueger, midfielder Andi Sullivan, who is on maternity leave, and forward Ouleye Sarr, who will miss the season due to a back injury. These absences have forced rotations and possibly affected the team’s chemistry, especially in high-pressure home games.
Spirit’s technical assistant, Adrian Gonzalez, was pleased with Bethune’s return.
It’s very positive that Croix is playing minutes. He’s training well, he’s gaining confidence and that’s positive.
Adrian Gonzalez
Gonzalez added that they are working to recover the injured players and that they now have more options. Bethune needs to keep working because she has been away from the team for a long time and they don’t like to have the same starting eleven every week.
Players must be aware that they need to help the team in different positions. They will continue to change the shape and formation depending on what they feel or see during training. Everyone must be prepared.
