The NC Courage return home to host the Washington Spirit today at 3:30pm in Cary. The Courage currently sit on top of the table with 36 points, and Washington sits last, in tenth place with 16 points. The two teams squared off this season in the season opener, and the Courage won that 1–0.

The Courage played their first match ever as the Courage on April 15 of this year and beat the Spirit 1–0 in a dominant display, even if the scoreline was close. From there, the two teams took different paths: the Courage have proven to be dominant all season and hold a firm grip on the first place spot on the table with a game in hand over second place Chicago. The Spirit meanwhile have had a difficult year. Washington started the year off with only four points in the first seven games of the season, and they’ve only won four times all year. The Courage, started off with four wins in a row and they’ve only lost five times all season.

The Spirit signed superstar Mallory Pugh earlier this year, but the team simply hasn't been able to capitalize on the signing.

The Courage lead the NWSL with shots at 229 and the Spirit sit eighth with 169. You can’t score goals if you don’t create chances.

The Courage have not had a draw yet this season, and they likely won’t today. They also don't lose at home often. The ladies have won a total of seven games at home and only lost twice.

For away play, the Spirit aren't very good. Washington has lost six games on the road and only won once. They also have only scored 11 goals during nine away games. At home, the Courage have only allowed six goals and have five clean sheets in nine games at WakeMed.

Also, if you haven’t heard the news yet, the United States Women’s National Team will be coming to WakeMed Soccer Park on October 22nd for a friendly against South Korea. That’s kind of big news. Watch out for several Courage players to be playing, and get your tickets soon, they’re going fast.

Recent Form

NC Courage: W | L | W | W | W

Washington Spirit: L | L | W | L | D

Game Details

What: NC Courage vs. Washington Spirit (NWSL season)

Where: Sahlen’s Stadium, Cary, NC

When: 3:30 pm ET

Prediction Time

Expect a lot of shots, at least from one side. The Courage have six days in between games this week so there’s enough time to recover before the match between the Spirit, and Sam Mewis was an animal last game, scoring twice. Lynn Williams has also scored two last game winning goals recently, so keep a eye out for her too.

Final Score: 3–1

I expect goals from Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald, and Ashley Hatch.

Thanks for reading! We will have a recap up on our site on Monday, and follow along on Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea’s Twitter account for more Courage news.