After a loss last week, Washington Spirit are pulling out the big guns, putting Jonatan Giráldez on the touchline as head coach for the first time in tonight’s match against Bay FC. They’ll be looking for a win to strengthen their position in the NWSL standings before the start of a long international break.

Washington Spirit (10-1-4) generally performed well under interim head coach Adrián González, whose work Giráldez complimented, saying he doesn’t plan to change much about how the team plays but to improve the qualities they’ve already been working to develop. Despite the possession-based reputation of their Spanish coaches, the Spirit have been a strong counter-attacking team this year and often rely on their speed, individual talent, and a smart press to put up a high number of goals. Their attack has faltered a bit recently, only scoring four goals in four matches, raising concerns that the team’s tactics may have become too predictable.

Expansion team Bay FC (6-0-9) will be eager to capitalize on that weakness and enter the long break with a win at home. The Bay have just put together their first winning streak, with back-to-back, 1-0 wins over Angel City and Louisville, and now sit at the edge of playoff contention. Under head coach Albertin Montoya, Bay FC play a possession-based style, though they’ve struggled to connect through a shape that is sometimes too expansive and to create scoring opportunities, often generating just one expected goal or less. Still, recent matches show they know how to take and defend an early lead, leaving Washington, with an unfortunate tendency to allow early goals, vulnerable.

To face them, Giráldez said he’s coached his team to “be very aggressive without the ball” and “try to not be too predictable with the ball.”

Key Player: Hal Hershfelt

Defensive midfielder Hal Hershfelt has impressed in her rookie season, recently earning a call-up as an alternate to the USWNT’s Olympics squad. Her ability to find the perfect pass and help organize play will be essential tonight, especially if her midfield partner Andi Sullivan is unable to play due to injury.

Watch Out For: Tess Boade, Asisat Oshoala

Though Bay have largely spread the goals around, forwards Tess Boade and Asisat Oshoala lead the pack with three goals and an assist each. Boade is precise, both in passing where she boasts a 78.7 percent completion rate, and shooting, with her team’s highest number of shots on target at 12.

Oshoala joined the NWSL as one of the offseason’s biggest signings, having previously played in Barcelona for Washington’s new coach.

“I wish her the best, but not for [today],” Giráldez joked.

Challenges: Last week’s match against North Carolina exposed a vulnerability for the Spirit. By stretching them wide to prevent the wing backs from getting involved and overwhelming the midfielders, the Courage rendered Washington’s attack toothless. They’ll need to show they have a solution to those tactics — which San Diego also used to great effect against the Spirit —to prove they’re ready to compete with the top teams in the league.

Previously: In their match-up on March 23, Bay gave the Spirit their first win of the season, despite an early goal from past Spirit player Dorian Bailey.

Bay FC Availability:

Out: Alex Loera (SEI – knee), Melissa Lowder (SEI – knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: Andi Sullivan (hip)

Location: PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Kickoff time: 10 p.m. ET
Referee: Matthew Corrigan
Available TV: MNMT2
Available streaming: NWSL+