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NWSL schedule: Spirit visit Portland, Courage host Racing, week 13 preview

By Caden Charpentier

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 03: Sophia Smith #9 and Crystal Dunn #19 of Portland Thorns FC look on against the OL Reign during the first half at Lumen Field on June 03, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 03: Sophia Smith #9 and Crystal Dunn #19 of Portland Thorns FC look on against the OL Reign during the first half at Lumen Field on June 03, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Michelle Alozie #22 of the Houston Dash battles Lu Barnes #3 of OL Reign for ball control during the second half at Shell Energy Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Michelle Alozie #22 of the Houston Dash battles Lu Barnes #3 of OL Reign for ball control during the second half at Shell Energy Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

NWSL schedule: Two in-form sides meet in Cary, North Carolina

Racing Louisville at North Carolina Courage

Date: Saturday, June 24, 7:00 p.m. EST

How to watch: Paramount+

For the second time in less than a month, Racing Louisville matchup up with Sean Nahas’ North Carolina Courage. Two second-half goals including a brilliant goal by Kerolin to double the away side’s lead propelled North Carolina to all three points. Since that loss in Kentucky to the Courage, Racing is yet to lose a match across all competitions. Savannah DeMelo has netted three goals in the last four matches, firing home the opener against NJ/NY Gotham FC last weekend.

The confidence seems to be oozing out of both sides at this point in time. Kim Björkegren’s team may be sitting in eighth at the moment, but a triumph could have them in the postseason picture depending on results elsewhere. The midfield battle is going to be one to watch. The duo of Denise O’Sullivan, and Narumi Miura will have their hands full competing against the likes of DeMelo, Ary Borges, and Jaelin Howell.

North Carolina has changed their identity this season, and it seems to be working. Miura and O’Sullivan has been phenomenal in the middle of the park maintaining possession for the Courage. Racing won’t care much if they don’t have the ball. With their talent, creating chances has not been tough recently. Before the Reign v Wave clash, this is a match that would shake a lot of things up in the table. Two of the most box office players in the NWSL, Kerolin and DeMelo going at it. Chaos is bound to ensue.

Prediction: Racing Louisville 1-3 North Carolina Courage 

Angel City FC at Houston Dash

Date: Sunday, June 25, 8:00 p.m. EST

How to watch: Paramount+

Sunday night at PNC Stadium will be a real test to see if the new manager bounce at Angel City is for real. The L.A. side looked revitalized after the opening goal, continuously challenging the Wave backline before breaking through twice to pick up an upset win. ACFC got the job done in the rivalry, ending their six-game winless streak, but the next challenge has arrived.

Sam Laity’s Houston Dash are unbeaten in their last four in the league but have drawn the last two. The Texas side has just one goal in both the regular season and UKG Challenge Cup since June 11. The heat on the field affected both teams in Houston last week, and with a high of 100 degrees on Sunday, it may be more of the same. Two of Becki Tweed’s side’s three total victories have been away from BMO Stadium. Before they go back for a critical cup fixture, this will be a contest in which the L.A side wants to get a win. Only three clubs have tied three or more matches at home this season. The Dash are one of them. With that, and the weather forecast, this has the makings of the teams sharing points.

Prediction: Angel City FC 1-1 Houston Dash

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