Finally, the Washington Spirit play someone one besides the Orlando Pride in 2021.
Obviously, I’m kidding but this is a new opponent and another road game for Washington in a year that has tilted heavily to away matches so far this year. The Spirit, currently on 8 points in the 3rd place, will travel to Bridgeview on Saturday night (on Twitch) to take on the Red Stars, who have 7 points and are in 6th place (for whatever that’s worth 5 games into the season).
As is often the case in the NWSL, due to friendlies, several players could be unavailable for both teams. Chicago will be missing Julie Ertz through injury and may be missing Tierna Davidson and Alyssa Naeher for international duty and the Spirit could be missing Kelley O’Hara, Emily Sonnett, and Andi Sullivan (although the team confirmed the plan was to have all those players join the team in Washington on Friday). The Spirit haven’t played since the 1-1 draw against Orlando on June 6th, with Richie Burke giving the team three days off before resuming regular training ahead of Saturday. Chicago have had a similarly long break with their last game coming on June 5th, beating the NC Courage 1-0.
Chicago, after conceding 5 goals to Portland in their opening match, have regained their defensive strength and will be a challenge to break down. Burke called the Red Stars their toughest test yet, with tactical flexibility and a great midfield and a dangerous attacking trio that includes Kealia Watt and former Spirit player Mal Pugh. Pugh, who has been ON FIRE early this season, will be playing once again with a point to prove against her former team. The last time she was seen against Washington, she was lighting the Spirit backline on fire in the 2020 Fall Series at Segra Field and winning a game for the then Sky Blue FC. Hopefully, Sam Staab and the rest of the Spirit defense can limit her chances and throw some cold water on the talented player with a point to prove.
Injury updates: Friend of the Show, Paige Nielsen, will travel with the team to Chicago despite not being 100%, with the hope of getting a few game minutes after a month long layoff. Jordan DiBiasi is being brought along slowly after offseason surgery and should be available off the bench.
Background Reading: Camryn Biegalski is return back to Chicago for the first time since she was released following the 2020 NWSL Fall Series. Read more about her story here from Beautiful Game Network.
The Athletic interviewed Morgan Gautrat (nee Brian) about her comeback season after a knee injury in last year’s Challenge Cup and some more light hearted dog related content
Just Women’s Sports has a nice profile of Trinity Rodman, who if I had to bet, is a nice shout to get her first league goal this weekend
Prediction: 1-1. The Red Stars stingy defense blunts the Spirit’s offensive firepower, but not before Trinity Rodman gets her goal. Unfortunately, Mal Pugh will reprise her villain role and score an equalizer late in the second half.