Chicago fans were cheering on Washington Spirit last weekend, when a win by the D.C. team guaranteed the Red Stars a spot in the playoffs. Tonight, they’ll be hoping for a different result: facing off at Buzzard Point, both teams are playing for good playoff seeding and to finish their seasons on a high note.

For Washington Spirit (16-2-6), tonight is their last home match of the regular season. Head coach Jonatan Giráldez said this game would a be a good opportunity for his team to earn three more points at home, keeping them in competition for a semi-final home match. Key to this, according to Giráldez, will be continuing to create chances and maintaining their personality as a team to play the way they want to play.

“Playing at home is a huge advantage, especially when we we’re at Audi. The fans have been just incredible this year,” defender Kate Wiesner said. “As long as we can play at home as possible, that’s what we’re going to try to do.”

Chicago Red Stars (10-2-12) made some big moves in the 2024 offseason but have been up-and-down over the course of the season, sometimes struggling to create chances. Last week, for example, they only put up 0.2 expected goals against Gotham FC. Even worse for Chicago, they’ll be missing their second-best goal scorer Ally Schlegel. Still, with their tendency to let opponents hold the ball until they find the best moment to strike and score in transition, the Red Stars could challenge an injury-weakened Spirit.

“We know that they are a tough team,” Giráldez said of Chicago. “They have good, good players, especially in transition; fast players attacking space, and we have to manage very well our possession phase to make sure that everything is under control.”

Key Player: Makenna Morris

Rookie Makenna Morris has started two matches for Washington this season, and dazzled in both. In her first start, Morris scored a goal, made an assist, and drew a penalty. Last week, she scored twice to put the Spirit in the lead. With a number of Spirit attackers still injured tonight, Morris is likely to see more playing time, which can only mean more goals are on the way.

Watch Out For: Mallory Swanson

In some ways, Chicago’s offense runs on Mallory Swanson. With nearly 25 percent of the Red Stars’ goals and one-fifth of their shot-creating actions, Swanson will be one of the most dangerous players on the field tonight, and the Spirit will have their hands full trying to contain her.

Challenges: One thing that has largely eluded Washington this year is a clean sheet: in 16 wins, they’ve only held opponents scoreless five times. An error in building out of the back or defensive slip-up could easily put that achievement out of reach tonight as well.

Previously: The Spirit defeated Chicago 4-2 earlier this year, in a game that included two goals by Brittany Ratcliffe in the span of three minutes.

Chicago Red Stars Availability:

Out: Ava Cook (SEI – knee), Sam Staab (SEI – achilles), Sarah Griffith (ankle), Ally Schlegel (knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: None

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