Washington Spirit confirms Hal Hershfelt suffered ACL injury, in blow to playoff hopes

The Washington Spirit has announced that midfielder Hal Hershfelt will miss the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Kansas City Current. The 25-year-old US international received the injury in the 16th minute while attempting to stop Vanessa DiBernardo, who scored the Current's decisive goal.

Hershfelt was substituted in the 20th minute and replaced by Mélissa Bethi. She concluded her 2026 campaign with 31 appearances and over 2,500 minutes played, scoring a late winner against the Seattle Reign and assisting Trinity Rodman's goal against the Chicago Stars. Hershfelt now joins a growing list of NWSL stars dealing with ACL injuries this season, including Olivia Moultrie from Portland Thorns, Maddie Dahlien from Seattle Reign, and Jordyn Huitema from Chicago Stars.

This setback is a major blow to the Spirit's playoff aspirations, as they have reached the final in each of the past two seasons but have yet to secure another title. Hershfelt's defensive skills and ability to thwart opposition attacks were crucial to Washington's midfield stability. Her absence will undoubtedly test the depth of a roster built with championship aspirations, as the Spirit strive to turn another playoff appearance into their first NWSL title since 2025.

The Spirit face their final regular season game against the Chicago Stars on Sunday before playoff action commences next week.