The Washington Spirit’s game against Reign FC tomorrow night was always going to be a big deal. It’s the club’s second match at Audi Field in 2019, and the Spirit are approaching another sell out. USWNT star Megan Rapinoe, a staple for the visitors, would have been a draw even before the World Cup, but since winning the tournament’s Golden Ball, her fame has transcended the soccer bubble.
Most importantly for Washington? It’s effectively a do-or-die game as far as their NWSL playoff hopes are concerned. The Spirit are 5 points behind Reign FC in the standings, with a game in hand, and depending on the result of tonight’s game between the Houston Dash and Utah Royals FC, could be anywhere between 6-9 points out of the final playoff spot when the whistle blows on Buzzard Point.