WASHINGTON (Oct. 14, 2023) – The North Carolina Courage wrap up the 2023 NWSL Regular Season as they visit the Washington Spirit for CarMax NWSL Decision Day on Sunday, October 15, with a league-wide 5:00 p.m. ET kickoff. The match will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States and internationally on www.nwslsoccer.com.
In one of the tightest tables in league history, only two teams have clinched playoff spots and two eliminated, meaning eight teams will vie for four remaining playoff spots on the final day of the season. The Courage lead the charge of those in playoff contention, entering the weekend in third place in the standings due to goal differential.
North Carolina Courage clinching and seeding scenarios:
Top 4 Seed: Win
Top 4 Seed: Draw + NJY Draw/Loss + RGN Draw/Loss + Favorable GD (over LA/ORL if either win)
Top 4 Seed: Loss + NJY Loss + RGN Draw/Loss + ORL Draw/Loss + LA Draw/Loss + Favorable GD
Playoffs: Win
Playoffs: Draw + NJY Draw/Loss OR RGN Draw/Loss OR ORL Draw/Loss OR LA Draw/Loss
Playoffs: Draw + Favorable GD (over LA/ORL)
Playoffs: Loss + No more than 3 of NJY, RGN, ORL, LA reach 31+ points + Favorable goal differential over LOU
The Courage continued their stretch of great play in a draw with the Wave last Saturday in front of a club and WakeMed Soccer Park record 10,434 fans. North Carolina again had a predominance of the shots and chances and held 60% of possession, but special defensive plays and goalkeeping from the Wave kept the record crowd from erupting. Still, the draw kept the Courage in pole position for a home quarterfinal next weekend.
This will be the fourth meeting of 2023 between the Courage and Spirit, having already met once in regular season play and twice in UKG Challenge Cup group play. The familiarity may play a factor, but the results of those contests are immaterial as the two teams look to play their best football on the final day of the season with everything on the line.
Washington is similarly in control of their own destiny as a win clinches a top four seeding and a home quarterfinal. They’ve amassed four points in their last two matches, shaking off prior back-to-back losses to climb right back into the thick of the playoff push. Ashley Hatch has nine goals on the season, sitting third in the Golden Boot race while she and Trinity Rodman have combined for 55 shots on goal this season. Those two, plus Ashley Sanchez and rookie Paige Metayer have created a potent, varied, and quick-striking offense that is dangerous the moment the Spirit get on the ball.
Two teams familiar with each other, close in proximity, and with similar stakes all combine to make Sunday one of the premier showdowns of CarMax NWSL Decision Day. The Courage look to earn a trip back to the post-season after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2022 and could host a playoff fixture for the first time since the 2019 NWSL Final. With a trophy already under the team’s belt this year, they are on the cusp of punching their ticket to the bracket for another prize. This young team gets yet another valuable experience and chance to grow and a team that loves each other, on and off the field, looks to keep their season alive and earn more opportunities to work together.
