Washington Spirit have a chance to set a record this afternoon: if they can win today’s game against the Portland Thorns, they’ll have the longest season-starting away winning streak in NWSL history.

Beating Portland Thorns (4W-4D-3L) will be no easy feat, though. Though they’ve had inconsistent performances, they’re one of the best this season at playing inside the goal area — a weakness in Washington’s defense — and have yet to lose a game at home. Without star Sophia Wilson, Portland have relied on young players like Reilyn Turner and Caiya Hanks, and either is capable of explosive individual play to put their team ahead. The Thorns also have a knack for drawing penalties and lead the league in goals from PKs this year, scoring five so far.

Before the match, Spirit defender Casey Krueger was asked how the team has prepared to fix their defensive challenges in the face of Portland’s attack.

“We’ve got another really, really strong attack in Portland, a lot of dangerous pieces, especially in their front six,” Krueger said. “They’re very dynamic in getting in behind, very dangerous in the flank areas as well, so just looking to limit those chances. And we’ve definitely taken a look at all the details, trying again, trying to keep correcting things each week, just trying to get better and better.”

The Spirit (7W-1D-3L) may be unbeaten on the road, but they’ve struggled with defending, allowing opponents a number of good chances, even in seemingly dominant wins like last week’s against North Carolina Courage. Players returning from injury and coming off of international-travel-related minutes restrictions should help, particularly if the team can find some cohesion from more consistent line-ups. They’re not back to full availability yet, though. Leading goal-scorer Ashley Hatch will miss a second match due to a back injury, while Jonatan Giráldez stayed in Washington to be present for the expected birth of his second child. The team will be helmed this afternoon by once and future head coach Adrián González.

“It’s never easy playing in Portland,” Krueger said. “They’re in very good form, and obviously it’s a tough environment to play in, but also it’s a lot of fun.”

Key Player: Narumi Miura

We at Hey Spirits made much of Brittany Ratcliffe’s performance against her old team last weekend, but her fellow former North Carolinian, Narumi Miura, also showed her value to the Spirit. In that match, she made her second assist of the year, had incredible 91 percent pass accuracy, and won all three of her tackles. After months of shifting personnel in midfield, Miura may have finally found a long-term partnership with Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt that allows her to shine.

Watch Out For: Olivia Moultrie

Midfielder Olivia Moultrie isn’t the Thorns highest goal-scorer, but she’s undoubtedly a play-maker, leading her team with 55(!!) shot-creating actions and five goal-creating actions over 10 matches. She frequently links up with Hanks to create dangerous situations and will pose difficulties for the Spirit today.

Challenges: Especially against a team adept at drawing penalties, the Spirit need to be careful about defending in the box, specifically by avoiding having to do it as much as possible.

Previously: Portland and Washington split wins in 2024, with both games ending in a score of 2-1.

Portland Thorns Availability:

Out: Mackenzie Arnold (leg), Marie Müller (SEI – knee), Nicole Payne (SEI – knee), Olivia Wade-Katoa (maternity league), Morgan Weaver (SEI – knee), Sophia Wilson (maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Emma Gaines-Ramos (SEI – knee), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Ashley Hatch (back), Paige Metayer (D45 – knee), Leicy Santos (knee), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave), Trinity Rodman (excused absence), Kate Wiesner (hip)

Questionable: None

Location: Providence Park, Portland, OR
Kickoff time: 4 p.m. ET
Referee: Joshua Encarnacion
Available TV: CBS
Available streaming: Paramount+