Washington finds itself in unfamiliar territory, as the Spirit enters Wednesday night's midweek NWSL clash against the Utah Royals still hunting a first win of the 2026 season.
After opening their 2026 campaign with a 1-0 home loss to the Portland Thorns, Washington battled back from a two goal deficit to draw Racing Louisville 2-2 last Friday.
"[We're] believing in what we are doing, the process," said Spirit manager Adrián González. "When we win, we don't get too crazy and when we lose, the same."
This time out, the Spirit will benefit from a mostly healthy lineup, with star forward Trinity Rodman cleared after last week's concussion scare and midfielder Andi Sullivan back from maternity leave.
Winless Utah, whose 2026 season includes a pair of 2-1 losses to the Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave, is less lucky: Starting goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn is out with a hand injury and defender Tatumn Milazzo will be serving a red card suspension on Wednesday night.
"The expectation should be with everyone coming in that they can pick up their role," said Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets.
How to watch the Washington Spirit vs. Utah Royals on Wednesday
Washington will host Utah at 7 PM ET on Wednesday, with live coverage of the match streaming on Victory+.
