The vibes around the Washington Spirit at the moment are decidedly weird. In an attempt to not make the vibes weird, the Spirit attempted to address the curious coaching decision—Jonatan Giráldez to sister club OL Lyonnes, and Adrián González taking over permanently—during this week’s pre-match presser. Giráldez made an opening statement, but questions on the coaching change were limited by new Spirit communications director Ben Kessler, who forced a move toward matchday questions. When the decision was questioned in the Zoom chat, he typed, ‘The focus of the organization is on the match on Sunday.’

That did not help the vibes become any less weird.

In the presser Giráldez was also flanked by Aubrey Kingsbury and Ashley Hatch, which is unusual, as we typically speak to the coach and player(s) separately. Jona didn’t provide any concrete answers as to why he was departing after less than a year. Instead he attempted to frame his loss from the team as not that big of a deal, by proclaiming that a team is more about the players and that Adrián González is a steady and familiar hand. Giráldez also noted that the move back to Europe was not informed by his growing family (he and his wife are expecting a second child soon), and claimed they were enjoying their time living in the United States.

As for Kingsbury and Hatch, well unfortunately they are pros at handling coaching transitions. During their time with the club they’ve had—trust me, I’ve counted—seven-hundred billion different head coaches. The bulk of those have come under Michele Kang’s leadership, with this latest one being the direct result of a sister club being allowed to lure Giráldez away, with only undetailed variations of ‘it’s what’s best for both team’ being offered.

As for the match, well I expect the vibes to continue to be weird. The Spirit and Giráldez haven’t helped clear any of the shock or confusion over his departure, as well as his choice to leave midseason, which he refused to do when leaving Barcelona for the Spirit. The attempt to downplay and ignore the optics of the move reading like a betrayal (or at the very least demotion of the Spirit as a priority among Kang’s stable of clubs) hasn’t been adequately addressed or tempered. Audi has become rowdy in recent seasons, and it doesn’t seem like ownership, Spirit communications or Giráldez are aware of what that might mean come Sunday’s match.

As for the game, well, with all this hanging over the club, and a likely reaction from supporters, it will likely be a weird and interesting time. The Courage have struggled all season but recently found more stable performances in a new 3-4-2-1 formation, as head coach Sean Nahas tries to fit Ashley Sanchez and Jaedyn Shaw into the XI. After conceding multiple goals in four consecutive matches, the Spirit went into the international break with a 2-1 win over Seattle Reign.

A focus on defending is still required, but the returns of Hal Hershfelt and Casey Krueger has helped tremendously. In attack, Croix Bethune is becoming more familiar with the tendencies of Rose Kouassi and Gift Monday, and fluid linkups similar to the Bethune-Sarr connection don’t seem to be far off.

Key Player: Wide Players

Yes I cheated and didn’t select one player but several, and it’s for a good reason. North Carolina’s new formation makes them vulnerable to transitions, particularly in wide areas. Prior to the international break, the Courage scored with one wingback crossing in the box to the other wingback. With Shaw and Sanchez doing their best work tucked into midfield rather than wide on the flanks, wingbacks pushing up are necessary for width. If the Spirit can win possession with the Courage’s wide defenders high up the pitch, they’ll be a Croix Bethune throughball away from bearing down on goal.

Watch Out For: Ashley Sanchez (obvs), Denise O’Sullivan

Former players are always a threat to score, it is the natural way of things it seems. Apart from that, Denise O’Sullivan has been given a freer role, and she’s cooked a little bit, especially near the final third.

Challenges: Patience. North Carolina are a defensive team masquerading as a Proper Footballing Side. They pack midfield, don’t extend themselves to score, and won’t mind a low xG scrap. If the Spirit keep things calm early, they’ll uncover ways to open up the game as it goes on.

Previously: 1-0 to the Spirit on the final matchday of the regular season last year. It ensured the Spirit would have home games to the championship, and was North Carolina’s only home loss of the season. Ashley Hatch scored the winning goal, so the news below is double unfortunate.

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Emma Gaines-Ramos (SEI), Lyza Jessee (SEI), Ouleye Sarr (SEI), Andi Sullivan (SEI/maternity leave), Ashley Hatch (back), Paige Metayer (D45), Chloe Ricketts (excused), Trinity Rodman (excused), Leicy Santos (knee), Kate Wiesner (hip)

Questionable: None

N.C. Courage Availability:

Out: Sydney Collins (SEI), Dani Weatherholt (excused), Olivia Wingate (D45)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field
Kickoff time: 4 p.m.
Referee: Brandon Stevis
Available streaming: NWSL+, Paramount+, Golazo