Rounding out a weekend of three home soccer games in Buzzard Point, Washington Spirit face Houston Dash at home this afternoon.

Washington Spirit (13-2-4) have already clinched a playoff berth – their first since 2021 – and are in a position to play for both a home game in the playoffs and the Shield. The Spirit are talented at problem-solving, capable of closing down dangerous attacks, and reliable in taking a high number of shots on goal. They have struggled with finishing, though, and at this point in the season have several key players, like Croix Bethune, Ouleye Sarr, and Kate Wiesner, on the injured list. Luckily, head coach Jonatan Giráldez has already begun experimenting with different combinations in his Starting XI to ensure all players are ready for any situation, and this afternoon’s match will give him a relatively low-pressure opportunity to continue that rotation.

Houston Dash (3-5-11) are not having the best season. Currently in last place in the league and on an eight-game winless streak, the Dash have been training without head coach Fran Alonso – on a leave of absence according to the team – since late June. Houston will also be playing without center back Tarciane, who wreaked havoc on Gotham last weekend.

They do still have the capacity to make trouble for the Spirit, though. The Dash often play in a three-back configuration, which Washington had some trouble adjusting to the last time they played. And they have a number of talented attackers, like Diana Ordóñez and Bárbara Olivieri who’ll be quick to take advantage of the Spirit’s sometimes weak set piece defending.

Key Player: Ashley Hatch

Though she’s had a difficult season, Ashley Hatch started last week’s game and spent most of the time playing her favored striker position. Apparently boosted by the confidence shown in her, Hatch looked the best she has all season, earning one assist and putting teammates in good scoring positions more than once. With Sarr injured, Hatch is likely to get more time at striker and, if she continues to improve in confidence, could be instrumental in Washington’s attack.

Watch Out For: Jane Campbell

Perhaps the brightest-shining star on the Dash is goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Long one of the best in the league, Campbell has made an incredible 91 saves in 19 games this year. (For context, number two Kailen Sheridan has made 68 saves in the same number of matches.) Campbell will do her best to keep the Spirit from scoring and, with their inconsistent finishing, could be enough to keep them from a win.

Challenges: With both Bethune and Sarr unavailable due to injury, the Spirit could be lacking some of their usual creativity and chemistry in the front line. They’ll need to be more clinical then ever to make up for it.

Previously: Washington defeated Houston 3-1 in April, after allowing a goal in the first minute of the match.

Houston Dash Availability:

Out: Madison Ayson (foot), Ramona Bachman (thigh), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Sophie Schmidt (lower leg), Tarciane (shoulder), Kiki Van Zanten (SEI – foot), Amanda West (D45 – knee)

Questionable: Natalie Jacobs (thigh)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Croix Bethune (SEI – knee), Lyza Bosselmann (SEI – wrist), Kaylie Collins (upper arm), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Chloe Ricketts (knee), Ouleymata Sarr (back), Kate Wiesner (thigh)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 1 p.m. ET
Referee: Matthew Corrigan
Available TV: ESPN2
Available streaming: ESPN+