Washington Spirit will play San Diego Wave FC this evening at Audi Field in Buzzard Point, in front of what the team hopes will be a sell-out crowd. Aiming to beat their all-time attendance record of 19,471 from 2019, the Spirit had sold over 18,000 by Friday afternoon.

Third-placed Washington Spirit (9-0-3) will be ready to put on a good show for the home fans. Averaging just over two goals per 90 minutes, the Spirit are a dynamic attacking team with several players who can pose a threat in front of goal. They could be hampered by injuries, with Andi Sullivan listed as questionable for tonight’s game, threatening the Spirit’s ability to dominate the midfield.

Hovering just outside playoff range, San Diego Wave FC (3-4-4) have been inconsistent on offense this season, despite a roster of stars like Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, and Maria Sánchez. The Wave’s strength is their defense, led by center back Naomi Girma and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. San Diego have an ability to frustrate opponents by controlling tempo and have allowed the second-lowest number of goals this season. Spirit interim head coach Adrián González said his team was focused on being “proactive, not reactive” and possessing as much as possible to try to beat their opponents.

Whatever the outcome, the game bodes well for fans of goals. The two previous Audi Field match-ups between these teams resulted in seven and four combined goals. Highlights of those matches include Amber Brooks’s brace, Paige Metayer’s first professional goal, and Trinity Rodman becoming the first NWSL player to earn 10 goals and 10 assists under the age of 21.

Key Player: Casey Krueger

The Spirit kept their second clean sheet of the season last week, and Casey Krueger was no small part of that effort. Typically playing at left back, Krueger dominates her side of the pitch, both defending the goal with her top one-on-one skills and getting high to create scoring chances for her teammates.

Watch Out For: Jaedyn Shaw, Savannah McCaskill

Attacking midfielder Jaedyn Shaw has quickly established herself as a star for both club and country. She’s provided a fifth of her teams total goals and assists so far this season (two goals, one assist). Her partner in the midfield, Savannah McCaskill is a secret weapon for San Diego, leading her team with 44 shot-creating actions and five goal-creations.

Challenges: Against a defense like the Wave’s, Washington will need to be clinical in front of the goal to take advantage of whatever chances they get. This year’s Spirit have been consistent in creating opportunities to score, but last week’s game saw the return of some struggles finishing those chances.

Previously: The Spirit have won both of their previous games against San Diego in Buzzard Point.

San Diego Wave Availability:

Out: None

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: Andi Sullivan (hip), Kate Wiesner (thigh)

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva
Available TV: Ion