A home playoff match is in sight for Washington Spirit, but to guarantee it tonight, they’ll need to get through the highly-motivated North Carolina Courage who are four points away from the playoff line with just three matches remaining.

NC Courage (7-7-9), who’ve struggled to put together consistent results this year, look pretty different from when they faced the Spirit back in June. Under acting head coach Nathan Thackeray, North Carolina have shifted to a four-back and are playing more vertically, according to Spirit coach Adrián González. He described them as “very dynamic on the ball” and effective at using their shape to create a numbers advantage. The biggest threat he sees from the Courage, though, comes from their current situation.

“They are fighting to get that spot, and that’s an extra motivation and an extra push. The season is ending, and there are not too many chances,” González said.

On an11-game undefeated streak, Washington Spirit (12-7-4) are peaking at the right time. They’ve cleaned up many of their defensive problems from early in the season while remaining an attacking threat. With Paige Metayer back from injury, their temporary fullback shortage appears to have ended, giving them plenty of options to deploy against the Courage.

“I think we are in a great momentum, to be honest. Not just talking about results, but regarding the performances that we are, you know, showing,” González said. “Right now, the team is training really good, executing the game plans perfectly, and we are competing very good.”

Key Player: Deborah Abiodun

The Rookie of the Month for September, Deb Abiodun has been a star performer for the Spirit since joining them this summer. Her skill at ball recovery and tackling will make it challenging for the Courage to move through central areas, while her sharp passing will put Washington right back on the attack.

Watch Out For: Manaka Matsukubo

North Carolina’s greatest threat is Manaka Matsukubo, who’s scored seven goals and made four assists for her team this season, leading the league in goal-creating actions. A dynamic player who plays between lines, she will look to attack any space the Spirit leave her and punish lack of quickness on defense.

Challenges: Last week, the Spirit took shots worth 3.5 expected goals but needed a lucky cross in stoppage time to win. They’ll need to be more patient in the penalty area to avoid more late-game stress tonight.

Previously: The Spirit defeated the Courage 3-1 in DC in June.

NC Courage Availability:

Out: Brianna Pinto (lower body), Feli Rauch (lower body), Olivia Wingate (SEI – lower body)

Questionable: Aline Gomes (lower body), Denise O’Sullivan (lower body)

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Courtney Brown (ankle), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)

Questionable: None

Location: First Horizon Stadium, Cary, NC
Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Servando Berna
Available streaming: ION