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Summer is returning to the Maryland Soccerplex: The threat of thunderstorms looms over tonight's game and attendance looks promising for tonight's match against the Houston Dash. But unlike a typical summer for the Washington Spirit, the team boasts a stellar backline and satisfying performances on the road. The Spirit won ten points from their first four games and is tied for first place with the Chicago Red Stars, who played their fifth game last night.
The Spirit have won their three home games against the Dash by a combined score of 7-3 but this year the Dash are contending for a playoff spot and have a roster packed with young talent. Last week, the Dash beat defending champions FC Kansas City on the road are 2-1-1 overall. The Dash played much better in the second half against the Blues, in contrast to the Spirit who typically perform better in the first half this year.
On the injury front, U.S. women's national team star Carli Lloyd continues to be out for the Dash with a right knee MCL sprain and Spirit midfielder Laura del Rio is out for the Spirit with a left ankle cartilage defect.
This is the Spirit's last home game before a three-game road trip to Portland, Houston, and Boston.
Location: Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, MD)
Kick-off time: 7:00pm Eastern
Available TV: None
Available streaming: NWSL Soccer, free and non geo-blocked
Treat this as the gamethread for tonight's match.