They’re calling it NWSL Rivalry week, but whether or not you consider Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC to be true rivals (this writer has her doubts), today’s match-up between them promises to be an exciting one.

The Spirit (8-2-4) have a lot to prove after their injured squad struggled compared to expectations through the first half of the season, including a goalless loss at home to Gotham. Now, with Adrián González in charge and the healthiest roster they’ve had all season, they’re ready to change the narrative around their season. Last week, they dominated the first half and ended up with a home win against Portland, and according to defender Kate Wiesner are prepared to “carry that confidence with us” into today’s game.

“I think we’ve been working a lot, kind of in this July period, on some different rotations, some ways just to change up the way that we’re attacking, especially in our opponent’s half,” Wiesner said. Against Gotham, they’re looking to bring creativity and unpredictability to their performance.

Gotham FC (5-4-5) are having a boom-and-bust season. Despite boasting league leaders in both goal-scoring (Esther González, 10) and assists (Sarah Schupansky, 5), they’ve lost as many matches as they’ve won and are just barely on the right side of the playoff line. They also started the second half of the season off with a draw to the struggling Chicago Stars. When Gotham are firing on all cylinders, though, they tend to win by multiple points, and Adrián González was cognizant of the danger posed by the intensity of their press, which will force his team to make decisions on the ball faster, and their ability to attack in different ways and create numerical advantages for themselves.

Key Player: Croix Bethune

After missing several matches due to a knee injury, last week’s Player of the Week Croix Bethune is back and returning to her chance-creating ways. Last week, she had four shot-creating actions, led her team with four progressive passes, and earned her first assist of the year with a settling flick to Trinity Rodman. Her defensive output was strong as well, with her four tackles and two interceptions helping the Spirit to control the ball through midfield.

Watch Out For: Esther González

Gotham’s Esther is having an incredible season. She currently leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals in 13 games and has a documented ability to ruin Washington’s day. She’s fresh off a second-place run in the Euros with Spain, for whom she scored four goals in the group stage. The Spirit will have to be extra vigilant in defending against a player on such a hot streak and so talented at slipping behind defensive lines unobserved.

Challenges: Last weekend, the Spirit showed they can exert control over a match and keep opponents where they want, but they failed to capitalize on it by scoring more than one goal in the first half. Being more clinical in the final third would help them shore up a lead and focus more on their defending.

Previously: In April, Gotham dominated the Spirit at home with a 3-0 victory in Buzzard Point. All-time, Washington have a slight lead in the head-to-head with a record of 17-10-14.

NJ/NY Gotham FC Availability:

Out: Tierna Davidson (SEI – knee), Ella Stevens (knee)

Questionable: Midge Purce (thigh)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (knee), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Leicy Santos (excused absence), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Location: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ
Kickoff time: 12 p.m. ET
Referee: Jaclyn Metz
Available TV: ESPN
Available streaming: ESPN+