How to watch the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup game between NC Courage and Washington Spirit on Saturday, April 10, 2021

Topics: NWSL, 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, NC Courage, Washington Spirit, WakeMed Soccer Park, Paramount+, Twitch, Debinha, Jessica McDonald, Hailie Mace, Ashley Hatch

The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup will resume Saturday, with the NC Courage hosting the Washington Spirit at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup game between the North Carolina Courage and Washington Spirit will start at 3:30 p.m. ET and will stream live on Paramount+ in the U.S., and Twitch internationally.

NC Courage vs. Washington Spirit on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET

The North Carolina Courage will host the Washington Spirit at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday.

Like other teams, the Courage will be without some of their brightest stars. Americans Lynn Williams and Casey Murphy, Irish internationals Denise O'Sullivan and Diane Caldwell, and Canadian internationals Lindsay Agnew and Deanne Rose. Fortunately for manager Paul Riley, Brazilian ace Debinha will be available on Saturday following the cancelation of Brazil's international camp. Also, veteran Jessica McDonald, who is the NWSL's second all-time scorer, will be a leader on the pitch alongside highly promising players in forward Ashley Hatch and midfielder Hailie Mace.

The only questionable thing about North Carolina's roster is the goalkeeper position given Murphy's absence. The nudge will most likely go to 27-year-old Katelyn Rowland, who has played 30 games with the Courage.

The Washington Spirit will be looking to improve a strong 2020 season. The Spirit proved to be one of the best teams in the 2020 Challenge Cup, earning a record of 2-1-1. Later in 2020, manager Richie Burke and his side finished in third place, taking seven of 12 points. The Spirit's defense only conceded an average of one goal per game.

Defenders Kelley O'Hara, Emily Sonnet, Saori Takarada, midfielder Andi Sullivan and forward Mariana Speckmaier will be absent in the Spirit's opening match. Sullivan was called up to the U.S. Women's National Team late following Lyon's Catarina Macario's absence due to a COVID-19 outbreak in her squad. Unlike the Courage, the Spirit will have their starting goalkeeper Audrey Bledsoe.