Start hydrating early, Washington Spirit fans! The team’s return to play against Houston Dash after a month off comes amidst a major heat wave in DC.

The league will be monitoring temperatures as kick-off approaches, subject to its new Heat Safety Policy, and the team has announced some safety measures for fans, including misters near gates and allowing fans to bring sealed water bottle into the stadium. On the field, the heat will be a complicating factor for both teams, though overall Adrián González said, “To be honest we are not going to change anything about our approach.”

In a good position on the table, Washington Spirit (6-3-2) used their break to work on the little details they need to improve, González said, especially defending in the box and some different attacking scenarios. With players in and out for vacations and international camp, the team also focused on increasing competition amongst themselves and making sure all players are prepared to play a role. The team’s deep bench will undoubtedly be a benefit in high temperatures like today’s.

Houston Dash (4-2-6) had a good start to the season but fell off quickly, going winless for six straight matches before beating Angel City in May. During the break, they added Serbian forward Miljana Ivanovic to the roster, though it’s not clear whether she’ll be ready to join the team for tonight’s match. Regardless, the Dash “will be looking to come out intense and get some points” to turn their season around, Gabby Carle said.

Key Player: Hal Hershfelt

Washington’s versatile midfielder, Hal Hershfelt scored her first goal of the season to win their last game, against Seattle Reign in May. Today, both her creativity and effective passing will be needed to help the Spirit control the midfield and maintain possession.

Watch Out For: Kat Rader, Kiki Van Zanten

Kiki Van Zanten and Kat Rader are the Dash’s leading goalscorers, with four goals apiece.

Challenges: The heat will impact Washington’s ability to use their speed to create dangerous transition moments and to recover during turnovers of their own. González said it would be even more important than usual for his team to dominate possession and play close together to stay connected on the attack.

Previously: Washington won both games against the Dash in 2025, with Gift Monday scoring the team’s first hat trick at Audi Field in the most recent match-up between the two.

Houston Dash Availability:

Out: Makenzy Robbe (Knee – SEI)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

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

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Available streaming: Victory+