The NC Courage (5–0–1) take on the Chicago Red Stars (2–3–2) on Sunday afternoon in a battle of first vs. second place, with the Courage currently seven points ahead of the Red Stars, 16–9 in the points column. The Courage also have a game in hand.

But recent history between the two sides hasn’t been in Carolina’s favor. A big 1–0 win in the NWSL playoffs aside, the Red Stars dominated the Courage in regular season play in 2017, dealing them three losses: 3–1, 3–2, and 2–1.

It’s a new season however, and coming off a 2–0 win last week over Houston, the Courage are already ahead of their NWSL Shield winning pace, leading the league in goals, assists, shots, and shots on target.

Chicago lurks close behind in second place in the same stats.

Chicago’s key players

Alyssa Mautz, Midfielder: Mautz currently leads the Red Stars and is tied for second place in the league with three goals. She has already scored more goals and recorded more assists in 2018 than she did in 2017.

Mautz currently leads the Red Stars and is tied for second place in the league with three goals. She has already scored more goals and recorded more assists in 2018 than she did in 2017. Sofia Huerta, Midfielder: A fan favorite, Sofia is on track to surpass her 2017 record of goals scored with two so far this season. She also picked up a big honor for the month of April…

Form

North Carolina: W | W | W | D | W

Chicago: W | W | D | D | L

Head-to-Head

In nine games between the clubs all time, the Courage have won three, Chicago has won five, and the teams have drawn once.

Prediction

The Courage are looking for some revenge at home against a Red Stars team that dominated them in the regular season last year, but Chicago has a playoff exit to thank North Carolina for too.

I expect the Courage to come out playing fast to try and get on the board first. Last year, Chicago scored first in two of the three matches last season, so NC needs to get on the board first to shut Chicago down.

With a week back at home, the club should be rested and ready to start off May with a solid win. Chicago is in second place for a reason, but the Courage are even better than last year’s side and should find a way to notch that regular season win at Sahlen’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Zack’s Prediction: 2–1 WIN

Game info

North Carolina Courage vs. Chicago Red Stars, 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6, WakeMed Soccer Park.

Tickets, NWSLsoccer.com, Go90.com, NWSL app (international)