In the only two meetings of the year between the two sides, the Courage have allowed the Red Stars 6 goals, losing twice in May by scores of 3–2 in Chicago and 3–1 in Cary. But a win tonight in Chicago would help the Courage secure a home semi-final match, as they’ve already clinched a spot in the 2017 NWSL Playoffs.

Expect rookie Ashley Hatch to appear up top. Hatch has proven her worth this season and has accounted for five goals. You can also expect more touches for Lynn Williams and Jessica McDonald. The Red Stars have done a great job of shutting down the Courage attack, but the ladies have won five in a row and are clicking on all cylinders: it will be hard for the fourth place Red Stars to contain all three of them.

Although the Red Stars sit at fourth on the table, they haven't been performing like it of late. Chicago recently defeated the last-place Spirit 2–1 in Washington on August 26th, but lost their three games before that. Even though it is only the Spirit, that win could spark momentum, but the Courage will hope to see the side that only won two of their previous nine.

Players to watch

Christen Press

Press is currently leading the league in shots (74) so expect her to fire at any moment and be the focal point of the Chicago attack. She’s managed to put the ball in the back of the net 10 times and has 3 assists.

Sofia Huerta

Huerta is a talented midfielder and another key weapon for Chi-town. Playing a total of 1739 minutes this season, Sofia has managed to score 5 goals with 4 assists. Shutting her great passing ability and vision down will be important.

Jess McDonald

McDonald has really started to regain her form recently, scoring twice against the Spirit last weekend. She is still 2nd in all-time scoring in the NWSL, and the team will need her to be at her best in the playoffs, so the team will look for big-time plays tonight from the biggest of their big-time players.

Recent Form

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

Chicago Red Stars: D | L | L | L | W

Game Details

What: Chicago Red Stars vs. North Carolina Courage

Where: Toyota Park, Chicago

When: Sunday, 9/3, 6:00pm ET

Prediction Time

Even with the poor play of Chicago recently, I expect this to be a fairly even match. You have the best team in the league coming to town, but the Courage are on the road, and the Red Stars are the only squad that has stood in their way.

I think the Courage will be able to play fast and get a few goals on the Red Stars, but Chicago will come back and earn a draw. Zack’s Prediction: 2–2. Goals from Mewis and McDonald.