After losing their home opener last Friday, Washington Spirit have worked on connections in training and will have another go at it tonight against Racing Louisville FC.

In their first match of the season, Washington Spirit (0-0-1) debuted some interesting new tactics, with wing players like Gabby Carle cutting inside in possession to overload the midfield and try to open up space on the wings, but had trouble creating quality chances, with only one shot on target despite 61 percent of the possession.

“I think we realized that in the final third, we have to be more ruthless and clinical, and I think really that’s what we’ve been focused on this week,” Carle said.

Racing Louisville (0-0-1) also lost their first game of the year but put up a respectable 2.53 expected goals and scored one. A direct attacking team that relies more on carries and long balls than the short passes Washington prefers, Louisville will hope to get a boost from their home crowd. If their attack remains strong, they could also find more success in front of goal, where they’ll face Sandy MacIver in just her second match after taking over as Washingtons starter.

“We are expecting a very transitional team, very dangerous in long balls, in, you know, attacking the box with people making runs behind, and very vertical,” Spirit coach Adrián González said. “It’s not going to be easy for sure, but we need to be ready.”

Player: Hal Hershfelt

Playing as an 8 to Rebeca Bernal’s 6, Hal Hershfelt has been given a lot more freedom to roam where she’s needed and press up high into the attack. Last week, it resulted in a pair of good chances for Hershfelt, in addition to taking advantage of her strong positional defending.

Watch Out For: Emma Sears

Both fast and strong on a dribble, Emma Sears is one of Louisville’s biggest threats. Now in her third year as a pro, she’s become a proven goalscorer for both club and country and can be almost impossible to stop. Expect a Spirit gameplan to emphasize keeping her out of the action as much as possible.

Challenges: Creating chances and converting them will be paramount for Washington, who can’t rely on defense to contain the explosive Louisville.

Previously: The Spirit went 2-1-0 across three games against Racing last year, including a quarterfinal match-up that Washington won on penalties.

Racing Louisville Availability:

Out: Savannah DeMelo (Illness), Marisa DiGrande (Maternity leave), Olivia Sekany (Knee – SEI)

Questionable: Maja Lardner (Lower body), Quincy McMahon (Lower body), Makenna Morris (Lower body), Arin Wright (Upper body)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Ashley Hatch (Maternity leave), Aubrey Kingsbury (Maternity leave), Casey Krueger (Maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Location: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY
Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET
Referee: Calin Radosav
Available streaming: Victory+