Home after a difficult away stretch, Washington Spirit are looking to make up for lost points in this evening’s match against Racing Louisville FC.

The Spirit (15-2-6) have secured a place in the playoffs and even a home match in the first round, but injuries have them on a bit of a rollercoaster as the season comes to a close. The most recent, Andi Sullivan’s season-ending ACL tear, will be a huge loss to this Spirit side, though Hal Hershfelt will be returning from suspension to help shoulder some of the defensive burden in the midfield. Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger, and Chloe Ricketts have also been removed from the injury list, which will be a big boost for the team.

Despite the injuries and recent losses to Orlando Pride and KC Current, Head coach Jonatan Giráldez was not worried about the future, describing both himself and the team as “motivated.”

“I always see opportunities. When we have bad news, we don’t have to regret a lot and complain about why and asking what happened. For sure, you have to analyze what happened and try to improve for the future, but I am always seeing opportunities.” Giráldez said he was happy with how his team was training during this week and that they have been preparing to play in a different shape to account for the lack of Sullivan.

Ranked 9th in the NWSL, Racing Louisville (6-7-10) are still in the fight for one of the three remaining playoff spots, but they’ll need every point they can muster to get there. Giráldez praised Racing’s skills on set pieces, second balls, and using long passes to break opposing lines and get the ball to their attackers.

“They like to adapt to the other team, and I think for us it will be a good opportunity, especially playing at home, to lead the game in the direction we want, in possession and out of possession.”

Key Player: Esme Morgan

Still a new addition to the Spirit, center back Esme Morgan is an excellent passer who can be deployed to break through opposing lines with a smart pass, in addition to her defensive chops. Last week she showed her flexibility, playing both fullback and center back roles at different points throughout the match, and may be called upon to do so again to account for injuries. Speaking before this match, Morgan said she is enjoying the challenge of adjusting to the NWSL and coming up against some of the league’s top attackers.

Watch Out For: Savannah DeMelo, Taylor Flint

Much of the danger with Louisville comes from the midfield. Savannah DeMelo and Taylor Flint have seven goals and three assists between them. DeMelo, in particular, gave Washington some trouble the last time these teams played, scoring Racing’s only goal and winning fouls in dangerous areas. Flint, meanwhile, has developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the league.

Challenges: With opponents like DeMelo and Flint, and lacking their preferred starters, the Spirit will have to work hard to prevent their opponents from controlling the midfield.

Previously: In May, Washington beat Louisville 2-1. Historically, the Spirit have the edge, with four wins, four draws, and only one loss to Louisville.

Racing Louisville FC Availability:

Out: Elli Pikkujämsä (SEI – knee), Kirsten Wright (SEI – knee), Jordan Baggett (knee), Uchenna Kanu (knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Croix Bethune (SEI – knee), Lyza Bosselmann (SEI – wrist), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Leicy Santos (thigh), Ouleymata Sarr (back), Andi Sullivan (SEI – knee),

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 5 p.m. ET
Referee: Abdou Ndiaye
Available TV: Monumental Sports Network
Available streaming: NWSL+