At last, it is time for the 2018 NWSL season to start.

And what a start it will be.

The Portland Thorns are coming to Cary on Saturday afternoon to take on the NC Courage in a NWSL championship rematch that will be aired on Lifetime.

I hope everyone is extra taped-up for this game because things might get pretty rough on the pitch. Rewind to 2017: Courage win the NWSL Shield and make it to the championship game only to get beat up by Tobin Heath and company and get no calls.

Well it’s 2018, people: The Thorns are coming to town and the Courage are stacked and ready to go. By bringing in Crystal Dunn via trade, the Courage bolstered a high-powered offense and then drafted several defenders to help relieve the pain of trading Taylor Smith to the Spirit.

For the Thorns, things are going to be rough to start the year. Tobin Heath will not be suiting up for Portland after ankle surgery in January. But Heath isn't the only player who won’t be there: Midfielder Andressinha, defender Emily Menges, and winger Haley Raso will all miss the match with various injuries. Things could get thorny for Portland.

Head-to-head

In the three games between the clubs last season, NC Courage won once, and Portland twice.

What to watch for

The Courage attack: After bringing in Crystal Dunn, the team can do so much up front now. With Dunn and Lynn Williams paired together, this team can play as fast as it wants to, and then Jess MacDonald is an option as well. Look for speed and counter attacks to play a big role from the starters Saturday.

After bringing in the team can do so much up front now. With Dunn and paired together, this team can play as fast as it wants to, and then Jess MacDonald is an option as well. Look for speed and counter attacks to play a big role from the starters Saturday. The Courage back line: The defense is strong too and is going to be tough to break on Saturday. After finishing the preseason strong, I am very confident in this defense to get better through out the year.

Portland’s key players

Christine Sinclair, forward/attacking midfielder: Sinclair will be the top player on the pitch Saturday for the Thorns with Tobin Heath out. Expect Sinclair to lead the way for Portland on the attack.

Sinclair will be the top player on the pitch Saturday for the Thorns with Tobin Heath out. Expect Sinclair to lead the way for Portland on the attack. Adriana Franch, goalkeeper: Franch was a huge factor in the NWSL Championship match last year for the Thorns and is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. She also had two shutouts against the Courage in 2017.

Prediction

Courage win 3–1.

This one will be all Courage. I think that North Carolina will hold the ball more and dominate up front. When they do lose it, they’re a huuuuuuuuge threat on the counter attack as well. C’mon now — do I need to say anything else?

Game info

NC Courage vs. Portland Thorns: 3:30 p.m. March 24, WakeMed Soccer Park.

Tickets | Watch: Lifetime Game of the Week (stream here with a TV provider login).