If you had to describe Portland's last part of the 2026 season with one word, you'd probably go with disappointing.
Their last five results show only one win, three draws and one loss. The thing is, those last five opponents are among the six teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention. The positive is that Portland still control their own destiny to qualify for the playoffs. If they win, they're in.
However, in front of them is the North Carolina Courage, a team that is as desperate to get a win and that has the league's top goalscorer among its ranks. They're only one point shy of playoff positions in ninth place, and they're hungry for points and to get a win after four losses and only one win in their last five matches.
This won't be the first time these two clubs face each other in such a high-stakes match. If anything, when it comes to playoffs, they share a long history together. Moreover, that history helped define the NWSL's early competitive era and established a natural rivalry.