Our US pre-season tour hots up today as we take on NWSL side Washington Spirit at Audi Field at 7pm (UK).
Following a squad training session, head coach Jonas Eidevall looked ahead to what promises to be a "highly competitive game".
"Some parts of their game have really impressed me when I've been watching them. They have a counter-attacking game that's absolutely world class, both individually and collectively.
"They're obviously having a very successful season in the NWSL. They are in-season while we are playing our first game.
"So, I have a lot of respect for that opposition, and we will need to have a very, very good performance."
With the Barclays Women's Super League season still over a month away, a comprehensive pre-season provides us with the best opportunity to start on the front foot.
"From a sporting perspective, we know we need to be ready to play competitive matches at the beginning of September. In order to do so, we need to have a fast start to the season. That's a reflection that we had last season.
"In order to get a fast start to the season, we need to get the right answers as early as possible. Playing a team like Washington Spirit as our first game in the season is obviously incredibly challenging, but it will provide us with answers that we need and we can work from them."
Click the play button to hear more from Jonas.
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