After a frustrating stalemate on the road last weekend, Washington Spirit are back home for a match against Racing Louisville FC and ready to feel the “magic,” as head coach Adrián González put it, in their connection with the fans at “Rowdy Audi.”

The Spirit (8-3-4) have earned four of six possible points in the second half of their season, but are still adjusting to the coaching transition that elevated Adrián González to the head coaching role. It’s shown up in some inconsistent defending, especially as matches wear on, and struggles to break down their opponents and find creative ways to the goal when Plan A isn’t working.

Tonight, they’ll be without Narumi Miura in midfield for the first time all year while she serves a suspension for yellow card accumulation. They will have some reinforcements, though, in the form of newly-arrived Sofia Cantore and the possible return of Leicy Santos. Both will give the Spirit more options on attack, and the overall chemistry should improve now that most players have returned from injury and international play.

Racing Louisville (6-3-6) are fighting to make their first NWSL playoffs after four straight years of finishing in ninth place, and this certainly feels like the year they’ll change that. Happiest spending much of their time out of possession, Racing are quick to win back the ball and spring a counterattack. They’re third in the NWSL for shots but, luckily for the Spirit, have the lowest percentage of shots on target, as well as pass completion.

González described his opponents as “a team who is very vertical, a team who doesn’t need a lot of possession. They can break lines easy; they can counterattack. They are pretty dangerous, obviously, especially through the right with [Emma] Sears.” Keys for his team will be rest defense and anticipating Louisville’s high press, González said.

Key Player: Esme Morgan

A consistent feature of this year’s Spirit has been starting their attacks out of the back, and Esme Morgan is a key part of that. The reigning European Champion with England, Morgan is an incisive passer, who has completed the most passes of any player in Washington’s last two games and will be relied upon tonight to find teammates in advantageous positions to beat Racing’s press.

Watch Out For: Taylor Flint

A defensive midfielder with an incredible aerial presence, Taylor Flint is first in the NWSL in interceptions, duels and aerial duels, and second in tackles. She’ll use those skills tonight to try to disrupt Washington’s movement through the midfield and put Louisville on the counterattack.

Challenges: The Spirit will need to be ready to react in case of turnovers and versatile on the attack against Racing’s agressive defense.

Previously: Washington Spirit won the first match of this set 2-0 in Louisville.

Racing Louisville Availability:

Out: Uchenna Kanu (knee), Katie Lund (SEI – hip), Lauren Milliet (Shoulder), Madalyn Pokorny (SEI – hip), Olivia Sekany (SEI – knee), Kirsten Wright (SEI – knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (knee), Narumi Miura (suspension), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET
Referee: Thomas Snyder
Available streaming: Prime Video