In their last match of the regular season, Washington Spirit face one of their toughest challenges: playing North Carolina Courage at home in Cary, NC.

North Carolina (12-3-10) have struggled on the road but are undefeated at home with nine wins and only three draws at WakeMed Park this season. The Courage prefer to keep possession and play with a lower press, so they’ll present a very different challenge from teams the Spirit have played recently. The strong right-side combination of Ryan Williams, Kerolin, and Denise O’Sullivan could also exploit weaknesses in Washington’s left-side defense.

Washington Spirit (17-2-6) have a bit more to play for. While the Courage are locked in 5th place, this match will determine where Washington finish (and anything less than a win means they’re likely to face NC again in the quarterfinals). The Spirit will also be looking for some redemption from the first match in this year’s series, which the Spirit lost 1-0 after an uncharacteristic mistake by goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.

Key Player: Leicy Santos

Since Andi Sullivan was injured, the Spirit have been starting an all-rookie midfield, and though they had good results at home, the veteran presence of Leicy Santos, who is ready to return from her own injury, will be important for this away match. Though she’s only played in six matches for Washington, Santos has scored twice, assisted once, and created 19 shots. Skilled at shot placement and positioning, Santos will help the Spirit open up different avenues of attack.

Watch Out For: Ashley Sanchez

This one could be painful for long-time Spirit fans, but Ashley Sanchez is having a hell of a year since being traded to the Courage. She’s leading her team in goal participation with five goals and four assists, in addition to progressive passes and carries, and Spirit players know well how her skill on the ball and shots from distance can make her difficult to defend against.

Challenges: Against a strong possession team like North Carolina, the Spirit will need to stay sharp defensively and on the counterattack. The latter is a Spirit specialty, but their defense is rarely perfect, with only six shut-outs this season.

Previously: In addition to beating Washington 1-0 earlier this year, the Courage dashed their hopes of making the 2023 playoffs with a Decision Day victory.

North Carolina Courage Availability:

Out: Sydney Collins (D45 – ankle), Marisa Bova (hand), Estelle Johnson (maternity leave), Brianna Pinto (knee)

Questionable: Kerolin Nicoli (leg)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Croix Bethune (SEI – knee), Lyza Bosselmann (SEI – wrist), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Rosemonde Kouassi (suspension), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Ouleymata Sarr (back), Andi Sullivan (SEI – knee)

Questionable: none

Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m.
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Available TV: Ion
Local watch parties: Astro Beer Hall (4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA), Bluejacket (300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC)