The Washington Spirit didn’t start the NWSL Fall Series off like they had hoped, struggling for spells to convert possession into chances, and just as they thought they’d secured a late draw, they conceded a stoppage time goal. Today against the Chicago Red Stars, they face a different challenge from the potent attack Sky Blue FC could call on. The Red Stars are missing some key pieces at both ends of the field, but their depth and a long-standing team culture means they’re always a tough opponent.
Key player: Kumi Yokoyama
Maybe the real key here is the connections other players have with Yokoyama, who had some really good ideas for the Spirit that were sometimes not understood by her teammates last week, and others that just didn’t quite work out.