Washington Spirit will face perhaps their toughest challenge yet when they take on 2023 NWSL Champions NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field in Buzzard Point this afternoon.

Gotham (1-1-1, W-D-L) spent the offseason building an apparent superteam, snapping up the biggest names in free agency, including USWNT stars Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson and Emily Sonnett. Since then, they’ve struggled with injury but remain a formidable opponent. Under head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, Gotham are a high-pressing team who look to cause chaos off the ball and catch their opponents in transition. With many of their players from last year returning, they’re also the most complete team the Spirit have faced since their opening loss against Seattle Reign.

“They’re a very attack-minded team,” Trinity Rodman said. “They like to transition, and they like to get crosses in the box. I think for our goal [of] not getting scored on very quickly, I think it’ll be a huge test for us to deny their chances and their crosses because they are dangerous in those areas.”

Washington (3-0-1) are coming into this game on a high, having won their first three matches and scored at least 2 goals in each of those. They’ve shown an ability to problem-solve, string together long series of passes, and to spread the attacking threat among several different players. The transition to a new style of play has not been seamless, though. As Rodman mentioned, the Spirit have allowed too many early goals, forcing them to spend the match battling back. They’ve also struggled to build out of the back and too often to default to getting the ball to her to break into their opponent’s half.

With rookie defender Kate Wiesner available for the first time since she was injured in the season opener, look for interim head coach Adrián González to possibly make some changes in the starting XI. Wiesner started that match at left back and could make a reappearance there to bolster the Spirit’s attack. On the other hand, González may prefer to keep the backline that’s seen his team to 3 consecutive victories against such aggressive Gotham.

Key Player: Hal Hershfelt

One of the biggest surprises of Washington’s earliest season is how quickly rookie Hal Hershfelt has become an essential part of these team. The defensive midfielder is the center of many of the Spirit’s best passing sequences and has already scored twice.

Speaking after the last match, González said of Hershfelt, “She’s amazing. She likes running, and she covers a lot of space. For me, her performance is unbelievable because, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it that soon. I saw her the first day when I came here to the United States. I saw a leader, and a player who wants to learn.”

Watch Out For: Esther González, Yazmeen Ryan

Despite their long injury list, Gotham will have no shortage of stars available for this afternoon’s match. Spanish striker Esther González and left winger Yazmeen Ryan have combined to score both of Gotham’s goals this season, with Ryan setting up the goals and Esther González hitting them home. Both are also strong passers and have made 30% of their team’s shot-creating actions this year (7 for González and 13 for Ryan).

Challenges: After allowing a goal in the first 15 minutes of three of their first four games, the Spirit need to start this match out strong. Preventing another early goal will give them space to grow into and take control of the game without having to fight against the scoreline.

Previously: Washington went 1-1-2 against the eventual champs last year.

NJ/NY Gotham FC Availability:

Out: Kristen Edmonds (knee), Sinead Farrelly (thigh), Mandy Freeman (thigh), Svava Gudmunsdottir (excused absence), Rose Lavelle (lower leg), Kelley O’Hara (knee), Midge Purce (SEI – knee), Abby Smith (SEI – lower leg), Taylor Smith (SEI – thigh), McCall Zerboni (SEI – knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC

Kickoff time: 1 p.m. ET

Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva

Available TV: CBS, CBS Sports Network

Available streaming: Paramount+