“We Were Better”- Praising Trinity Rodman & Co., Washington Spirit Boss Makes Bold Claims on Orlando Pride’s NWSL Final Win

They say the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story. Consider the recent 2024 NWSL final where Orlando Pride narrowly defeated the Washington Spirit. While the winning side took just 9 shots, with only 3 on target, retaining 42% possession and completing 276 passes, the losing side registered 26 shots, 5 of which were on target, maintaining 58% possession and completing 374 passes No wonder Jonatan Giraldez claims that Trinity Rodman and Co. ‘deserved the victory.’

According to the Spirit’s boss, his side was superior in every aspect of the game, but a strike from the opposing team’s star, Barbra Banda, in the 37th minute kept both sides apart, preventing the Washington, D.C.-based team from lifting the NWSL Championship. “For me, we were better in the final,” began Jonatan during an exclusive chat with the AS.

“Obviously it’s no consolation, but in terms of the number of chances, the game plan… the way the game went, we deserved the victory. So, now, it’s time to accept defeat as part of the process,” added the former FC Barcelona Femeni boss, eventually making his peace over the unfortunate final defeat that was no less than an emotional rollercoaster.

Of course, one has to sympathize with the Spanish tactician. After all, the Washington, D.C.-based club came up short against the Florida-based team not once, but twice. In addition to missing out on the NWSL Championship, the Spirit narrowly lost the NWSL Shield by just 4 points, finishing second with 56 points, behind the Pride, who claimed the league title with 60 points.

It’s safe to suggest that both sides presented each other with tough competition. Out of the 26 games, Giraldez’s side held a record of 18 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses compared to Seb Hines and Co.’s record of 18 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses. Then again, the encounter between these two sides suggests a different story.

This season, forget about a win—the Spirit failed to secure even a draw against the Pride, losing both of their regular-season matches with scorelines of 2-3 and 2-0, respectively. But as the saying goes, the third time’s a charm, though Giraldez potentially found a way to dominate against Hines’ side, the Spaniard ultimately failed to secure a win. No wonder he is still dwelling on the events that unfolded earlier.

Jose Giraldez is still finding ‘perspective’ after Trinity Rodman and Co.’s defeat to Orlando Pride in NWSL final

Even though 2 weeks and 4 days have passed since the dramatic clash, the Spirit boss remains deeply affected. In the same interview, he said, “Today I’m doing better than yesterday and probably worse than tomorrow. It takes a few days to manage it, but we’re trying to see things in perspective.”

Highlighting his competitive nature, the 33-year-old added, “I consider myself a very demanding person on a day-to-day basis. Surely if you had asked me before coming, we would have signed up to be the second-best team in the league.”

Notably, Giraldez joined the Spirit in late June, marking a significant milestone in his tenure. His efforts have played a key role in helping Trinity Rodman and her team finish the 2024 NWSL season as the second-best side. Nevertheless, there is still hope for a strong comeback next season, with the team aiming for the top spot at all costs.