Washington Spirit are in a tight battle for the top of the table, and they’ll face a major obstacle tonight in the NWSL’s hottest team: the North Carolina Courage have won four straight matches and are near evenly matched with the Spirit in attacking prowess, scoring 20 goals apiece in 12 games.

North Carolina (6-3-3) lost a major weapon in transferring Manaka Matsukubo to Chelsea last week but still boast a deadly combination in Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh. Coach Mak Lind joined the team this year, and Adrián González described him as having “a clear idea” of how to lead the Courage, a team with “a lot of talent.”

As for the Spirit, González believes his team is in a good place with the number of players healthy and in form to contribute to the team’s performance.

“Fortunately, we have now, I think, a lot of players involved, and a lot of options to attack and defend in a different way,” he said, though he cautioned that “we need to be smart on that” with three away games scheduled over the next two weeks.

For today’s match, midfielder Deb Abiodun — fresh off a successful return to the pitch after injury sidelined her in the early season — said the Spirit will focus on winning second balls and making good tackles, indicating they’re expecting a tough fight against North Carolina.

“I think it’s going to be a really, really good game, and a good match-up,” Abiodun said.

Key Player: Trinity Rodman

With two goals and one drawn penalty kick, Trinity Rodman was the hero of last weekend’s win over Houston. She’ll be called on again this week to power Washington’s attack.

Watch Out For: Ashley Sanchez

Now in her third season with the Courage, Ashley Sanchez is playing some of the best soccer of her career. Attacking from the left, she’s scored nine goals and made one assist, putting her in second place in the Golden Boot race.

Challenges: The Spirit will need to be defensively well-organized to slow North Carolina’s goal-scoring hot streak. Despite their overall strength on defense, occasional lapses — like allowing Houston an equalizer last week — show some vulnerability.

Previously: Last year, the Spirit won their home game against the Courage but tied 1-1 in Cary. Historically, North Carolina has won more of their match-ups.

North Carolina Courage Availability:

Out: Payton Crawford (Knee – SEI), Natalie Jacobs (Ankle), Sydney Schmidt (Knee – SEI), Lauryn Thompson (Ankle)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Ashley Hatch (Maternity Leave), Aubrey Kingsbury (Maternity Leave), Casey Krueger (Maternity Leave)

Questionable: None

Location: Horizon Stadium, Cary, NC
Kickoff time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Laura Rodriguez
Available TV: ION