The Washington Spirit (11-3-4) have one fewer name on their injured list as they prepare to play North Carolina Courage (8-3-6) at home tonight: Ashley Hatch has finally been re-activated

Hatch’s return could help ease the burden on Sofia Cantore, who’s faced pressure to carry more of the attack with Rose Kouassi and Gift Monday gone on international duty.

Despite mixed results in July, North Carolina played two multi-goal wins this week — against Orlando Pride and Denver Summit FC. Unfortunately, the short turnaround time to this match could help the better-rested Spirit slow their momentum.

Key Player: Tara Rudd

The Spirit have emerged as possibly the best defensive team in the league, and captain Tara Rudd is a huge part of that. Strong and ever vigilant, Rudd keeps Washington out of danger in the box and helps keep their attacks unpredictable with her drives forward. She notched her first goal and assist of the season in July.

Watch Out For: Ashley Sanchez, Evelyn Ijeh

With 10 goals so far, Ashley Sanchez is hot on the heels of Barbra Banda in this year’s Golden Boot race, and she loves to turn it on against her former team. Meanwhile, her teammate Evelyn Ijeh has scored seven of her own, including a hat trick last weekend.

Challenges: The Spirit have struggled to control matches and consistently create chances in recent weeks. With more time to train and prepare for this one, can they make things a little easier on themselves?

Previously: In July, the Spirit bested the Courage 2-0, although it was a fight to the finish.

North Carolina Courage Availability:

Out: Payton Crawford (SEI – knee), Sydney Schmidt (SEI – knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Deborah Abiodun (international duty), Mélissa Bethi (international duty), Lucia Di Guglielmo (lower leg), Aubrey Kingsbury (maternity leave), Rosemonde Kouassi (international duty), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Gift Monday (international duty), Monique Ngock (international duty)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Joshua Encarnacion
Available TV: ION