In their first match after an international break, third-ranked Washington Spirit face the number-14 Utah Royals tonight in Sandy, Utah.

In their first season as a re-formed team, the Utah Royals (1-1-9) have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring in just five of 11 matches so far and only once in their past four. This has them sitting in last place in the NWSL standings, a full 20 points behind their opponents tonight. They do have a few things going for them, though. First, they’ve been flexible with their lineup, often tailoring their formation to the opponent, and could surprise the Spirit with their game plan. Second, they had fewer players depart for international duty during the break, allowing more time as a unit preparing for this game.

Washington Spirit (8-0-3), meanwhile, had eight players called up and three starters who played in two international games earlier this week, so they could be dealing with some fatigue, in addition to having less time to prepare as a group. They do have a strong attacking core to fall back on but could rely more than usual on their depth to give Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger, and Gabby Carle some rest time.

The Spirit might also have a larger fan presence than usual for an away game to give them a boost: Courtney Brown, a Utah native, shared before the match that she’s expecting a crowd of about 100 friends and family cheering her and Washington on.

Key Player: Ouleye Sarr

After a slow start in her first NWSL season last year, French forward Ouleye Sarr is soaring in 2024, thanks to her excellent hold-up play and connection with fellow attackers Croix Bethune and Rodman. She’s just been named to the Best XI for May, and her six goals have her in third place in the Golden Boot race.

Watch Out For: Ally Sentnor

The first pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, forward Ally Sentnor has been perhaps the most important part of Utah’s attack this season. She’s earned two goals and two assists and was the sole goal scorer in her team’s last match against Washington.

Challenges: The Spirit know what they’re doing on the attack, but their defense has been a bit leaky, and they’ve only kept one clean sheet all season. Keeping Utah off the scoreboard would be a big step forward for this team.

Previously: Washington beat Utah 2-1 on March 31 in Buzzard Point.

Utah Royals Availability:

Out: Imani Dorsey (SEI – achilles), Ifeoma Onumonu (ankle), Kaleigh Riehl (calf), Carly Nelson (excused absence), Olivia Griffitts (hamstring), Mikayla Cluff (foot)

Questionable: Cam Tucker (hamstring), Dana Foederer (hamstring), Brecken Mozingo (hamstring)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Lyza Bosselmann (wrist), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee)

Questionable: Makenna Morris (hip)

Location: America First Stadium, Sandy, UT
Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Laura Rodriguez
Available streaming: NWSL+