Undefeated after their first match on March 13 and now on a five-game winning streak, the Washington Spirit have been flying high, but they’re about to face their hardest challenge since in San Diego Wave FC.

After winning their last game in Seattle, the Spirit (5-3-1) stayed on the West Coast for the week, preparing for the middle stop of a trip that will end in Pachuca, Mexico. To cope with being away from home for so long, Adrián González said the team is trying to keep a good balance between having time off to enjoy themselves and focusing on training, although today will be all business.

“We know that it’s going to be a long trip,” he said. “I think that we are prepared. We are doing great, mentally, physically, so one day at a time.”

In their second year under coach Jonas Eidevall, the Wave (6-0-3) are a strong attacking team, who a possession-based style and the best passing accuracy in the NWSL. Though they stumbled a bit in late April, they’ve stayed near the top of the table — currently in third to Washington’s two — and are fresh off a win against rivals Angel City FC. Both González and Esme Morgan stressed the talent of San Diego’s attackers as a danger for the Spirit tonight.

“Across the board, they’ve got a really, really strong squad,” Morgan said. “They’re very comfortable in possession. They like to play a patient style. So we know that we want to be aggressive and kind of get at them and try to limit their opportunities to have long spells of possession because, as I say, they’re very comfortable on the ball.”

Key Player: Claudia Martínez

The Spirit’s biggest preseason acquisition, Claudia Martínez, has scored game winners for Washington in each of their last two matches. With great instincts in front of goal and capable of highly intelligent movement, Martínez has all the makings of a star.

Watch Out For: Dudinha, Lia Godfrey

Deadly on the left wing, Dudinha has scored three goals and made four assists for San Diego this season, including one of each in their most recent match against rival Angel City. From the other side of the pitch, rookie Lia Godfrey has scored four of her own.

Challenges: On Sunday, the Spirit struggled with patience on the ball and trying to maintain long periods of possession, both of which González described as keys for tonight’s match.

Previously: Last year, these teams drew in San Diego, though the Spirit won a later contest in Buzzard Point.

San Diego Wave FC Availability:

Out: Trinity Armstrong (Knee – SEI), Adriana Leon (Back), Cat Macario (Heel)

Questionable: Ludmila (Thigh)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Deborah Abiodun (Hip), Ashley Hatch (Maternity Leave), Aubrey Kingsbury (Maternity Leave), Casey Krueger (Maternity Leave), Sara Wojdelko (Hand)

Questionable: None

Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
Kickoff time: 10 p.m. ET
Referee: Jeremy Scheer
Available streaming: Victory+