Washington Spirit (0-1-1) are still in the hunt for their first win of the season, and they may have their best chance of the month tonight. In the second of three matches in eight days, they play Utah Royals FC (0-0-2) at home in Buzzard Point.

Some of Utah’s woes can be chalked up to availability. Although Mina Tanaka and Miyabi Moriya have finally returned from winning the Asian Women’s Cup, they’re still without Mandy McGlynn, Paige Cronin, and five other injured players. The Royals will also be missing Tatumn Milazzo this week, as she serves a red card suspension. Their organized defense could make them a very tricky opponent for a Spirit who struggle to convert their strong build-up play to goals.

Adrián González noted strong connections between the Royals’ midfield trio as a threat, in addition to their tendency to push outside backs high to create opportunities on the wings.

“They are very aggressive, pushing with a lot of numbers in the last third,” he said. “It’s going to be a good battle between both teams: that they want to have the ball.”

The Spirit, González said, will be looking to play aggressively at home and to have more control in possession. Both González and Lucia Di Guglielmo said they felt the team has greatly improved from its Week One performance and had a lot of positives to reinforce in training from last weekend.

“Right now, what we want to see is something better than the last week, so try to be better every week, knowing that it’s going to be different game,” González said.

Both teams will be dealing with travel and short turnaround times — Washington played on Saturday in Louisville and Utah at home on Sunday.

Key Player: Rose Kouassi

Rose Kouassi created five chances last week, assisted both goals, and almost scored one herself on a breakaway, earning herself a nom for NWSL Player of the Week. Putting the ball at her feet will continue to be a sound strategy for Washington tonight.

Watch Out For: Cloé Lacasse

Canadian winger Cloé Lacasse is one of Utah’s best chance creators and leads the team in expected goals. She’s also one of the best defensive forwards in the league and will likely be deployed to help prevent Spirit chances along the wings.

Challenges: Washington need to be patient and connected to avoid turnovers and pull apart the Royals’ defense.

Previously: In 2025, the Spirit lost one match to Utah and tied the other.

Utah Royals FC Availability:

Out: Paige Cronin (Rib), Madison Hammond (Upper Leg), Alex Loera (Knee – SEI), Mandy McGlynn (Hand), Tatumn Milazzo (Suspended), Narumi Miura (Ankle), Nuria Rábano (Ankle), KK Ream (Knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 7 p.m. ET
Referee: JC Griggs
Available TV: Victory+