Washington Spirit are finally back at Audi Field, but it will be the last time for a long time. Tonight’s match against Seattle Reign FC is their final one before a month-long World Cup break.

These teams last faced off just three weeks ago in Seattle. Washington (5-3-2) won the match but were held to just two shots on target and their lowest xG of the season by the Reign’s (4-3-4) high press. Though in the midst of a long goal drought that ran from April 14 to May 22, Seattle showed they remain one of the league’s best-organized teams tactically. Last week, they finally broke through and scored two goals to defeat Boston Legacy 2-1.

“It’s not so common to play against the same team in a few weeks, but the good thing is that we, we have that game pretty, you know, fresh in our minds,” Adrián González said. He described the previous match-up as challenging because of how well the Reign had played but said he hopes the Spirit have learned from it.

“I think our strong suit is being able to build out of anything and play through the base, and last game, they did a great job of kind of, like, high pressing us into our half,” Hal Hershfelt said. Like González, she said having more information about how the Reign might approach this game would help Washington be better prepared.

One positive for the Spirit is finally being back home — and in front of a sold-out crowd — after three long weeks on the road, which Hershfelt said “honestly feels like a reward.” After a disappointing Concacaf W Champions Cup Final last weekend, the team is looking to shrug off the loss and refocus on league play.

“I think right now, we’ve had the days that we needed, just to rest and reset,” González said, describing a week of training that started slow but ended with “great vibes” on Friday. “We are excited to be back home, and try to win of course, and go to that break.”

Key Player: Gabby Carle

The Canadian fullback continues to develop her game with the Spirit and, despite limited minutes due to injury, has played an important role this year. She made her first assist of 2026 in the last match against Seattle and could be pivotal if the opponent manages to bog the Spirit down in the midfield again, whether through her progression on the wings or tucking inside to give them another option.

Watch Out For: Maddie Dahlien

Last time, the Reign nearly found success more than once via long passes to Maddie Dahlien on the left wing. Recently called up to the US U-23 squad, Dahlien has scored three goals for Seattle this year, including last week’s game-winner.

Challenges: Defensive errors lost the Spirit the Concacaf W Champions Cup last weekend. They’ll need to be more focused and communicate better to prevent similar mistakes.

Previously: On May 10, the Spirit beat Seattle 1-0 at Lumen Field.

Seattle Reign FC Availability:

Out: Lynn Biyendolo (Maternity Leave), Jess Fishlock (Lower Leg)

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: 6:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Alexandra Billeter
Available TV: ION