Washington Spirit will go on the hunt for their first away win of the season tonight against Houston Dash, in what could become a shooting match between two teams who look more complete on the attack than on defense.

Given the turnover they saw in the offseason, it’s something of a surprise that the Spirit (2-0-1, W-D-L) have begun their 2024 season strong and are currently on a two-game winning streak. With a lot of change and new talent still to come later in the season, the Spirit have been connecting well on the attack and improving defensively. However, they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet and have struggled to move the ball out of their defensive third other than through Trinity Rodman, especially early in their matches. Especially with Rodman fresh off a USWNT on Tuesday night and possibly in need of rest, they’ll need to create some new pathways to the goal to beat the Dash.

Under new coach Fran Alonso, Houston (1-1-1) have struggled to find their footing this season. They’ve experimented with a 3-back, playing a number of players in new or less-familiar positions, and they’ve allowed 8 goals in just 3 matches so far. Their last match showed signs of things starting to come together, though, as the Dash pulled off a come-from-behind 3-2 win on the back of a Diana Ordóñez brace and a strong performance by Maria Sánchez.

“We are expecting, like every week, a tough game… again,” Spirit interim head coach Adrián González said, perhaps reflecting as much on the level of competition in the NWSL as on tonight’s game. Of Houston, he added, “We need to know how to attack them, also which are their strengths, and try to avoid their potential because they have really good players, and they are a team [that is] very brave in the way they attack.”

Key Player: Ouleymata Sarr

In an unexpected role as Washington’s striker rather than the wing role she played last year, Ouleye Sarr has been showing off a burgeoning connection with fellow attackers Rodman and Croix Bethune, as well as her skill at settling and holding up the ball near her opponent’s goal area. Scoring her first goal of the season last match could be the tipping point for Sarr to go on a tear.

Watch Out For: Diana Ordóñez

Diana Ordóñez is the Dash’s leading goalscorer, thanks to her brace in their most recent match against Bay FC. The central attacking mid has also had the most chances, while creating several shots for teammates. At 5’11”, Ordonez is a huge threat in the air and currently 4th in the league for aerial duels won this season. Containing that threat will largely come down to Washington’s midfielders, which they’ll handle through positioning, according to Tara McKeown.

“Going into the game, I don’t think there’s anything crazy that changes,” McKeown said of preparing to defend Ordóñez compared with other attackers. “It’s just knowing that you’re going to have to be physical when the ball’s in the air.”

Challenges: The Spirit need to score more goals. They’ve won their past two matches 2-1 but missed big chances that could have solidified those wins early. Playing every match as a nail biter is exciting but not sustainable, and, in an already high-scoring NWSL season, a goal differential of 1 is not doing them any favors.

Previously: In 2023, Washington and Houston drew both of their matches against each other, although the Spirit have a slight edge historically.

Houston Dash Availability:

Out: Allysha Chapman (maternity leave), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave)

Questionable: Barbara Olivieri (illness)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Makenna Morris (hip), Kate Wiesner (thigh)

Questionable: None

Location: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX

Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET

Referee: Alyssa Nichols

Available streaming: Amazon Prime