NWSL Decision Day has arrived, and Washington Spirit are all set to play their final game of the 2025 regular season against Utah Royals FC.

Despite the fanfare around Decision Day, this match won’t have a big impact on the standings for either team. The Spirit (12-8-5) have locked down second place, while the Royals (5-7-13) are out of playoff contention.

“There’s nothing to, you know, maybe to lose, but I think we have a lot of things to win, to be honest because this game can prepare us a little bit more for the next one,” Adrián González said, calling particular attention to the mental preparation his team will have the chance to do for the playoffs. He also described the match as “the last opportunity to optimize little details.”

Their biggest obstacles for the Spirit will come from the lack of time to prepare — about half the team joined their national teams during the FIFA international window — and lack of availability. Though many are hoped to be short-term, the number of unavailable players rivals the team’s longest from earlier in the season and will leave the team with very few options off the bench today.

Despite these challenges, the Spirit are bringing a positive attitude into the game.

“Our team identity is that we want to win every game and win every competition that we play in, and so we’re still approaching this game very seriously and very competitively,” Courtney Brown said.

Key Player: Sofia Cantore

After scoring the last Goal of the Week with a beautiful backheel against Orlando Pride, Sofia Cantore will once again be relied upon to provide goals for the Spirit.

Watch Out For: Mina Tanaka

Utah’s top scorer, forward Mina Tanaka is also their biggest chance creator, adept at winning the ball in and passing into advantageous spaces to set up scoring opportunities.

Challenges: With so few players available, the Spirit will need to play smart to avoid fatigue and additional injuries.

Previously: In May, these teams drew, with three goals scored by each side.

Utah Royals Availability:

Out: Mia Justus (hand), Alex Loera (SEI – knee), Tatumn Milazzo (SEI – knee), KK Ream (excused absence), Kaleigh Riehl (hamstring), Aisha Solórzano (thigh)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Deborah Abiodun (ankle), Croix Bethune (thigh), Ashey Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Rosemonde Kouassi (excused absence), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Gift Monday (excused absence), Trinity Rodman (knee), Leicy Santos (illness), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Location: America First Field, Sandy, UT
Kickoff time: 5 p.m. ET
Referee: Alexandra Billeter
Available streaming: NWSL+