Washington Spirit are out to the ball game this afternoon, heading to Oracle Park, home of the SF Giants, to play Bay FC. The match is set to break NWSL attendance records, with over 38,000 tickets sold by Friday evening.

Despite the high number of fans there to root for the home team, Spirit defender Tara McKeown said the Spirit are treating this match like any other game.

“We go into every game, home or away, wanting to win and wanting to be the villain to the other team,” she said, although she also praised the stadium site and the experience of playing in front of such a big crowd, which is not a completely new one for the Spirit.

“It’s just so much fun when you look out into a crowd and you see, like, all the stands filled up and people there, whether we’re home or away… the energy in the stadium is so much fun to be a part of,” McKeown said.

The Spirit (8-4-4) head to this site of America’s pastime immediately after winning their first game on international soil. It’s been a quick turnaround from their Tuesday night game in El Salvador, which coach Adrián González said didn’t leave them much time to prepare for this game. He said increased player availability and rest management have put the Spirit in a good position in advance of the match and that his team is mentally prepared and excited.

In their second year in the league, Bay FC (4-5-7) are struggling to find a consistent winning strategy, currently sitting in 12th place and on a five-game winless streak. They’ll also be missing leading goal-scorer Penelope Hocking for today’s match. González praised their versatility and ability to attack from several different options, though, and Bay coach Albertin Montoya hinted his team might be prepared to throw the Spirit a curveball.

“We’re going to try something a little different, so maybe we can catch Spirit a little bit off guard,” he said.

Key Player: Rosemonde Kouassi

Rose Kouassi is a strong one-on-one attacker who’s tough to force off the ball, but perhaps more importantly, she’s hot. She’s scored four goals in the past two matches, including a walk-off goal in extra time at home and a giant hat trick performance in El Salvador.

Watch Out For: Taylor Huff

Taylor Huff has scored in two of Bay’s three matches so far in August. She also leads her team in shot-creating actions, with 43, and is a reliable set-piece kicker for Bay.

Challenges: While the Spirit have shown in recent matches they know how to keep control of the ball, they’ve struggled with breaking down defenses and creating goal chances, especially when faced with the unexpected. They’ll need to be creative and prepared for surprises from Bay.

Previously: A brace by Ashley Hatch put Washington on top of the first match in this series. All-time, the Spirit have won all four of their past matches against Bay FC.

Bay FC Availability:

Out: Abby Dahlkemper (lower back), Onyeka Gamero (SEI – knee), Penelope Hocking (lower leg), Melissa Lowder (SEI – knee), Emily Menges (maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: Rosemonde Kouassi (knee)

Location: Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Kickoff time: 4 p.m. ET
Referee: Jeremy Scheer
Available TV: CBS
Available streaming: Paramount+