WHO: Washington Spirit, 0-1-0, 1 point, 3rd place

WHAT: A regular season NWSL match

WHEN: Friday, May 21, 2021, 7:30 p.m. EDT

WHERE: Lynn Family Stadium

WATCH: This one’s only available via streaming on Twitch.tv/nwslofficial. Tickets are still available for the match, however, and you should get some if you don’t have them already.

MARCH: Lavender Legion gets together at Ten20 Brewing Co. before (and after) matches, so join them!

WHO, AGAIN? We all probably remember the last match against Washington at Audi Field last month where Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez’s 93rd minute heroics sunk Racing’s ship after a hard-fought, defensive performance from our women in lavender. The Spirit have made a couple of changes since then: Emily Sonnett and Kelly O’Hara are back from USWNT duty, and it looks like coach Richie Burke has reverted to a back four after playing much of the Challenge Cup with three at the back.

Defense isn’t entirely Washington’s problem, it must be said. After giving up four goals to North Carolina in the tournament opener, the Spirit have only given up two goals since, both to Orlando Pride. Their last match, a 1-1 draw in Orlando, was perhaps a bit unlucky for the Spirit, as they doubled the Pride’s SOG total and had more of the ball, but you could probably argue it either way.

This match is another good opportunity for Racing to draw some blood in the league. Washington is a better team than KC, I think, but no one’s invincible, and Racing at least feel like they’re trending upward. Washington sports a really good midfield anchored by Emily Sonnett and featuring Andi Sullivan and Trinity Rodman, but I still think their back line is subject to attacks if Racing can put themselves in some 1v1 situations.

In any event, this is going to be a fun match. Hopefully Holly & Co. learned some lessons in the last match and will have the team focused and ready to pounce on any chances they get. RUN WITH US!