Spirit v RLFC -1

Spirits are still high after a 1-1 draw in Orlando with the schedule not quite ready to be forgiving just yet. If there is anyone better equipped to handle the attention that Jordyn Bloomer is deservedly getting for her performance on Saturday, I haven't met her. At the media availability, she said all of the right things but did confess that she doesn't do a ton of homework on potential penalty takers in upcoming matches. I think tendencies can be a bit over analyzed, and Jordyn's swagger is always going to be her biggest quality when it comes to those types of situations anyway. Believing is half the battle. Let's hope Racing avoids conceding any more penalties in the immediate future, so that we don't have to test my theory.

Ellie Jean has signed a new contract through 2028, and I think that is a great bit of business for her and the club. Solidity and consistency at the back is always a good thing. Ellie has made the starting CB role hers and has played her way into the team based on her match performances. I like when that happens because then nobody questions why a certain player is or isn't starting. The first half of this season has made me a full believer in Jean.

Washington, like Racing, feels like a teams that can get goals from anywhere so it's difficult to hone in on a specific threat. Rodman is always a name on everyone's lips but the actual goals this year are coming from Monday and Hatch (absent now due to her pregnancy). Hatch historically scores frequently against Racing, so she will definitely be missed by the Spirit. The Spirit didn't look great in a 0-0 snoozefest at Gotham last Saturday, so will be looking to rebound. If Racing can sneak a win here, it might shift the narrative for the rest of the season. More likely, Racing will be satisfied with a point here and in San Diego next week.