With the D.C. weather finally cooling off, Washington Spirit fans are in for a nice afternoon while cheering their team on against Portland Thorns FC at Audi Field today.

Washington Spirit (12-2-4) reported earlier this week that they’ll be playing the rest of their season without Croix Bethune, which means they’ll have a big hole to fill. To account for that loss, coach Jonatan Giráldez said the team may have to modify some players’ roles to ensure they keep creating as many chances as they did with her.

“One of the most important things is: keep creating chances, as many as possible,” Giráldez said. Though his team hasn’t changed much in preparation for today’s game, he said they have worked on improving confidence in the attack, likely a response to last week’s 1-1 draw with the lower-ranked San Diego Wave, as much as to Bethune’s injury.

The Portland Thorns (8-3-7) remain fairly comfortably in playoff range, despite allowing five goals – and scoring only one – in their two NWSL matches since the Olympics. As players like Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey regain their fitness and are available to play more minutes, though, that could change. Giráldez said he kept the dangers players Portland’s stars could pose in mind when preparing this week.

One advantage the Spirit should have over Portland is energy. The Thorns not only traveled cross-country for the game, they did it after playing a mid-week match at home in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. With more rest and time to prepare for this specific game, Washington look like the favorites heading into the match.

Key Player: Trinity Rodman

When looking for a player to pin your hopes on, look no further than Ballon d’Or nominee Trinity Rodman. Even in last week’s middling match against San Diego, Rodman dazzled, creating five chances, taking five shots of her own, and creating space where the Wave sought to give none. Rodman has been the engine of Washington’s attack all season, and this afternoon should be no different.

Watch Out For: Sophia Smith, Christine Sinclair

Sophia Smith hasn’t played a full 90 since returning from the Olympics, but she doesn’t much time to score. Smith kept her team competitive in the last match with their only goal, coming in the 32nd minute.

Everyone knows what Sophia Smith can do, but let’s not forget about Canadian legend Christine Sinclair, who is on a hot streak after scoring two goals in Portland’s midweek match. She also scored one against the Spirit earlier this season.

Challenges: The Spirit can create chances in their sleep, but finishing them is what counts. Especially without Bethune’s creativity and cleverness, which led to a team-high 18 goal creating actions this year, they’ll need more finesse and connection than they showed last week to score.

Previously: In May, the Thorns won the first game of this series, 2-1.

Portland Thorns FC Availability:

Out: Bella Bixby (maternity leave), Gabby Provenzano (SEI – ankle), Morgan Weaver (D45 – knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Croix Bethune (SEI – knee), Lyza Bosselmann (SEI – wrist), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Chloe Ricketts (knee), Kate Wiesner (thigh)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Greg Dopka
Available TV: CBS
Available streaming: Paramount+