Rowdy Audi season is back. After earning three points on the road last week, Washington Spirit return to the site of their biggest 2024 triumphs for a challenging home opener against Kansas City Current.

The Current started their 2025 season looking like they hadn’t lost a step in the offseason, beating Portland Thorns 3-1 with goals by Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper, and Debinha. Kansas City are a strong, aggressive attacking team, quick in transition and dangerous on a dribble.

The Spirit, on the other hand, looked a little shaky in their opening match, despite winning 2-1. They struggled in possession, often unable to complete passes or build an attacking sequence. Part of this can be explained by the high number of injuries for the team. That number hasn’t improved much this week, with Hal Hershfelt joining and Croix Bethune re-joining the list of unavailable players.

Spirit coach Jona Giráldez identified his team’s passing and holding as something they needed to work on before this match, though their defense and high press were good in Match One. He and defender Gabby Carle also agreed that playing at home should help the Spirit’s confidence, especially with what Carle revealed is expected to be a record-setting crowd of 17,000 for a home opener.

Key Player: Rebeca Bernal

Rebeca Bernal must have set some kind of record for the short time between signing announcement and her becoming indispensable to the team. In her first two matches, Bernal looked like she’d been with the Spirit for years, effortlessly fitting into the back line to shore up Washington’s defense and make clever passes forward. With Hershfelt out, Bernal could start in midfield tonight, and will hopefully bring some calm and control to the Spirit’s game.

Watch Out For: Temwa Chawinga

If there’s a way to stop Temwa Chawinga, no one’s found it yet. She set a new NWSL record for goals last season with an incredible 20 in 25 matches and has already gotten her second Golden Boot campaign started with a goal against the Thorns last week. Chawinga is on the questionable list, but even if she’s out, the Current have plenty of dangerous attackers to take her place.

Challenges: To stop a dangerous attacking team like the Current, Washington will need to exert more control over the game and maintain possession as much as they can.

Previously: Last season, each team won their home game by three goals in the Spirit-Current series.

Kansas City Current Availability:

Out: Elizabeth Ball (thigh), Kristen Hamilton (knee), Alex Pfeiffer (SEI – knee), Gabrielle Robinson (SEI – knee), Regan Steigleder (head), Bia Zaneratto (SEI – foot)

Questionable: Hailie Mace (knee), Temwa Chawinga (thigh)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Croix Bethune (hip), Courtney Brown (hip), Emma Gaines-Ramos (SEI – knee), Hal Hershfelt (ankle), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Rosemonde Kouassi (knee), Paige Metayer (D45 – knee), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (SEI – knee), Kate Wiesner (hip)

Questionable: Kysha Sylla (knee)

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m.
Referee: Elijio Arreguin
Available TV: Ion