The resiliency of Reign FC is in for its greatest test of the year on Sunday, as the team faces the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL semifinals. Their road playoff match kicks off at 10:30 AM PT and will air on ESPN2.

If the team wins, they stay in Cary, N.C. for the NWSL Championship — a match the team hasn’t played in since 2015, where now-Reign FC head coach Vlatko Anodnovski got the better of the squad while coaching FC Kansas City.

While the team continues to deal with injuries, this is the first time the club is facing North Carolina this season with Megan Rapinoe. Can the world’s best work some playoff magic and help the team defy odds just one more time? Stick with us to find out.

Injury Report, Suspensions, International Duty

Reign FC

OUT: Taylor Smith (SEI – Right Knee), Jasmyne Spencer (Left Knee), Michelle Betos (SEI – Right Achilles), Jaycie Johnson (SEI – Right Knee), Scout Watson (SEI – Concussion), Jessica Fishlock (SEI – Left Knee), Rumi Utsugi (Back)

QUESTIONABLE: Rebecca Quinn (Right Hamstring), Megan Oyster (Left Knee)

Courage

OUT: Merritt Mathias (Left Knee), Ryan Williams (Right Ankle), Leah Pruitt (Right Knee), Hailey Harbison (Left Knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Samantha Mewis (Right Knee)

Keys to the Match

• Stay strong in the box on defense
• Pounce and set the tone early
• Don’t let the Courage get too stretched

Lineups

Reign FC

NC Courage

Highlights

2’ - Casey Murphy comes up with a HUGE save.

45’ - Hinkle’s cross nearly sneaks into the box. Lu Barnes does well to get in front of the chance. Thank you, post.

HALF TIME: Despite an onslaught of shots from the NC Courage, Reign FC keep them away from goal. And it’s all even heading into halftime at 0-0.

55’ - Casey Muprhy! Keeping Reign FC in this game.

57’ - A huge save a few plays later!

72’ - A bad giveaway for the Reign gives Crystal Dunn a strong chance. Barnes does really well defensively to push her wide, and Murphy comes up big yet again!

88’ - Darn. HAO buries the penalty kick to put the Courage up 1-0.

90 + 3’ - IFFY ONUMONU equalizes!!!

How to Watch

When: Sunday, October 20, 10:30 AM PT

Where: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina

TV: ESPN2

Live stream (for users in the U.S.): ESPN

Live stream (for users outside the U.S.): Watch on ESPN (Check for local listings here, or follow the links listed here)

Join the Discussion

This is your Reign FC v. NC Courage semifinal gamethread. Head to @rovalks on Twitter for real-time updates, or join the conversation in the comments below.