The final match before the NWSL’s summer break could be a must-watch, a contest between Washington Spirit (7W-1D-4L) and San Diego Wave (7-2-3), two high-scoring, top-of-the-table teams seeking to close out this half of the season on a high. To deliver on that promise, the Spirit will need to shake off whatever led to their worst performance of the year last weekend and exert more control over the game.

San Diego Wave are having perhaps the most surprising season in the NWSL. In 2024, they missed out on the playoffs amid a turbulent coaching change away from Casey Stoney. Over that year and in the offseason, the Wave lost several superstar players like Naomi Girma, Alex Morgan, and Jaedyn Shawn. Yet, almost halfway through the 2025 season, they sit at third place in the standings and have the second-highest number of goals for at 25. With Jonas Eidevall at the helm, they are a high-possession team (58.6 percent average) whose young players are well-positioned to score. With 13 goalscorers and 6 multi-goalscorers on the roster, almost anyone can be a threat, and opponents have to be especially diligent on defense.

Spirit coach Adrián González also described goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s passing ability and skills with her feet as an advantage for San Diego, saying it allows her to play almost as an extra center back. He summed tonight’s opponents up as: “A team who has great confidence right now in possession and also with different types of ways to attack. I think that’s the most dangerous thing.”

With Jonatan Giráldez still awaiting the birth of his second child, González has stepped into the head coaching role early: he said he led the team through training this week in addition to have the lead tonight. In this role, González said he hopes to make the Spirit “a team who knows how to attack in different ways. Very dynamic, very flexible.” That versatility was sadly lacking against Portland Thorns last week and will be essential to re-instill for tonight’s match against the Wave.

Tonight, González said the Spirit will focus on defending spatially, identifying where they want to force their opponents and which spaces will be most advantageous for them to focus their pressing to regain the ball.

“We need to identify very good when to be aggressive in terms of pressing because we know: San Diego, if you give them time to think, they are going to be able to progress easy,” he said.

Key Player: Gabby Carle

At this point in the season, Gabby Carle has found her consistency and is proving to be one of the Spirit’s most important defenders. In the past two matches, she’s made 16 clearances, including one off the goal line, and won eight duels while losing only two. She was also one of the most successful attackers in last week’s match, leading the team in shot-creating actions.

Watch Out For: Delphine Cascarino

In her second year with San Diego, is hitting her stride. She’s scored three goals and made five assists, leading the league in the latter category. A one-on-one specialist, Cascarino will try to force Washington’s defenders into mistakes that create openings for the Wave to score.

Challenges: With Ashley Hatch still out with an injury, the Spirit will need to come up with some new ways to start their attack, especially if faced with the kinds of high pressing situations that have stymied them in recent weeks.

Previously: In 2024, both matches between the Wave and Spirit were 1-1 draws.

San Diego Wave FC Availability:

Out: Trinity Byars (SEI – knee), Hillary Beall (upper leg), Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (lower leg)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: None

Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
Kickoff time: 10 p.m. ET
Referee: Matthew Corrigan
Available TV: CBS Sports Network