Washington Spirit Lose Hal Hershfelt to ACL Injury Before NWSL Playoffs

Washington Spirit and Hal Hershfelt
29 October 2026

Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee and will miss the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season and the beginning of 2027.

Hershfelt sustained the injury during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Kansas City Current and was substituted in the 20th minute. Washington placed her on the season-ending injury list. The midfielder has made 31 appearances across competitions this year and played an important role in the team’s push for the playoffs. Washington enter their final regular-season match in third place.

Why It Matters

Washington lose an important midfielder just before their championship playoff campaign.