NWSL Match Preview: Washington Spirit (9-4-4) vs. Chicago Red Stars (1-9-7)

Game Details

Audi Field • Washington, D.C.
Streaming: NWSL Season Pass, CBS Sports App

Broadcast & Streaming Info

Catch every minute on NWSL Season Pass or the CBS Sports App. Live stats and highlights available via the official NWSL app.

Team Overviews

Washington Spirit (9-4-4, 31 pts)

The Spirit enter Week 18 riding momentum from a 3–2 win at Bay FC. Under coach Mark Parsons, D.C. play a high-press, possession-driven style that leverages quick transitions.

Key Players:

Keeper Aubrey Kingsbury (8 clean sheets)

Midfielder Andi Sullivan (press-resistant distributor)

Forward Trinity Rodman (pace and creative spark)

Form: W-W-D-W-L in last five

Chicago Red Stars (1-9-7, 10 pts)

Chicago remain in the hunt to avoid the Wooden Spoon after salvaging a 0–0 draw with Gotham FC. The Red Stars rely on disciplined defending and counterattacks but have scored just 12 goals all season.

Key Players:

Defender Casey Krueger (veteran leader at the back)

Midfielder Morgan Gautrat (tempo-setter)

Forward Mallory Pugh (primary goal threat)

Form: D-L-D-L-L in last five

Series History

All-time: Spirit lead 9–3–2 in 14 meetings.

Last meeting (Apr 11 2025): Spirit won 2–0 at Audi Field.

Key Betting Angles

Home-Field Edge: Washington are 6–1–1 at Audi Field—back the Spirit ML before Chicago settle in.

Tight Defenses: Four of the last five H2Hs stayed Under 2.5; lean Under 2.5 Goals at 2.14.

Scoring Woes: Chicago have failed to score in 8 of their 17 games—Both Teams to Score – No looks solid at 1.89.

Fast Start: If Washington net an early goal, live ML value on the Spirit improves as Chicago chase the game.