Washington Spirit Midfielder Croix Bethune Returns to Active Roster

March 14, 2025 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release

Washington, D.C. - The Washington Spirit has removed midfielder Croix Bethune from the season-ending injury (SEI) list and added defender Paige Metayer to the 45-day injury (D45) list, the club announced today. Both roster updates take effect ahead of tonight's regular season opener against the Houston Dash.

Bethune returns to the active roster after a record-setting rookie campaign cut short by a knee injury. In just 17 matches last season, the breakout midfielder tallied five goals and ten assists, tying the league's single season assists record (Tobin Heath, 2016). Despite missing the final nine matches of the regular season, Bethune was still named the NWSL's inaugural Midfielder of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Best XI First Team member.

Metayer will be added to the D45 list as she continues to rehab a knee injury sustained during preseason. The timing of this designation will be retroactive to the date of her injury in February. The defender is entering her third season as a pro, having collected five goals and two assists across all competitions during her first two seasons.

The Spirit kicked off the team's 2025 campaign by winning the second trophy in club history in the annual NWSL Challenge Cup last week against the Orlando Pride. Fans can secure their spot to see the Spirit in the team's next match at Audi Field by becoming 2025 Season Ticket Members here. Single match tickets for the Spirit's home opener on Saturday, March 22 at Audi Field are available.

National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 14, 2025

• Orlando Pride Breaks NWSL Record for Most Goals Scored in an Opening Weekend Match with 6-0 Win Over Chicago Stars FC - Orlando Pride
• Chicago Stars FC Falls to Orlando Pride in Season Opener, 6-0 - Chicago Stars FC
• Houston Dash Comeback Falls Short in Home Opener - Houston Dash
• Houston Dash Comeback Falls Short in Home Opener - Houston Dash
• Reign FC Opens 2025 Season against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Lumen Field Saturday Night - Seattle Reign FC
• Kansas City Current Open 2025 Regular Season against Portland Thorns - Kansas City Current
• Seattle Reign FC Announces 2025 First Team Staff - Seattle Reign FC
• Gotham FC Kicks off 2025 NWSL Season on the Road against Seattle Reign FC - NJ/NY Gotham FC
• Bay FC Opens 2025 Campaign on the Road vs. Utah Royals - Bay FC
• Utah Royals FC Announces Roster Updates - Utah Royals FC
• Kansas City Current Announces Baba's Pantry as New Culinary Partner in CPKC Stadium - Kansas City Current
• Utah Royals FC Kicks off 2025 NWSL Season against Bay FC - Utah Royals FC
• Bay FC Launches Countdown to Home Opener in Advance of First Home Match of 2025 Season - Bay FC
• Mars Extends Partnership with Washington Spirit - Washington Spirit
• Spirit Kicking off Regular Season in Showdown with Houston Dash - Washington Spirit
• Preview: Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Stars FC - Chicago Stars FC
• Washington Spirit Midfielder Croix Bethune Returns to Active Roster - Washington Spirit
• What to Watch for as Racing Opens 2025 Season - Racing Louisville FC
• Tune In: Orlando Pride vs Chicago Stars on Amazon Prime - Orlando Pride
• Monumental Sports Network to Produce and Broadcast Five Washington Spirit Matches and Postgame Shows During 2025 Season - Washington Spirit
• What to Watch For, Powered by Verizon, as the Orlando Pride Host the Chicago Stars to Begin the 2025 NWSL Season - Orlando Pride

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Washington Spirit Stories

• Spirit Looking for Return to Impressive Road Form in Trip to California
• Washington Spirit's Leicy Santos Called up to Colombia Women's National Team
• Giráldez to Miss Sunday's Match
• Washington Spirit Acquires Additional International Roster Slot in Trade with Bay FC
• Washington Spirit's Rebeca Bernal Called up to Mexico Women's National Team