Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride: Preview, time, and how to watch

The Washington Spirit will try to extend their winning streak to five matches tonight at Audi Field, but with a team full of talented international players, Orlando Pride won’t make that easy for them.

Unbeaten so far this season, Orlando Pride (2-3-0) are finally on track for the long-term rebuild they’ve been working toward for the last few years. They’ve put together a strong roster of both American and international players, including five Brazilians, and are seeing results. The Pride have a dynamic offense, with the highest nonpenalty xG in the league

Washington Spirit (4-0-1) have seen a lot of progression in their new style of play and kept their first clean sheet of the season last week. At their best, they’re able to string together long series of passes and control play through the midfield. Trinity Rodman and rookies Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune are flourishing, and the team’s defenders have been largely effective, outside of a tendency to start games slow.

“We are improving every day. I think [the] players have no limits,” interim head coach Adrián González said, of his team Thursday. He did point out some areas in need of improvement, though.

“We need to make a step forward in the last third. I think we are creating a lot of chances, and we could have scored more goals. And also when we are defending next to goal, I think we need to be a little bit more aggressive and try to avoid second balls and some chances.” – Adrián González

Key Player: Trinity Rodman

With two assists, 14 shots, and 7 big chances created, Rodman has been the driving force behind Washington’s attack this year. Though she has yet to score her first goal of the season, her strong connection with fellow attackers Croix Bethune and Ouleye Sarr presages an incredible season to come.

Watch Out For: Barbra Banda

Newly-arrived Zambian striker Barbra Banda made her NWSL debut last week and made her impact felt with two high-xG shots on goal in just 30 minutes. Banda is a notorious goalscorer – at her previous club, Shanghai Shengli, she scored 41 goals in 51 games – and if she can unlock that for the Pride tonight, Washington will be in for a fight.

Challenges: The Spirit have had success playing a narrow formation this year, while Orlando like to use their wing players to take advantage of the full width of the field. Defending against those attack from out wide could be one of Washington’s biggest challenges tonight.

Previously: The Pride bested the Spirit in both regular season games last season.

Orlando Pride Availability:

Out: Simone Charley (SEI – leg), Luana (excused absence), Marta (lower leg), Megan Montefusco (SEI – heel), Viviana Villacorta (SEI – knee)

Questionable: Adriana (leg), Morgan Gautrat (lower leg)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Courtney Brown (thigh), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Makenna Morris (hip)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Referee: Rebecca Pagan

Available streaming: NWSL+

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