[Live Stats](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-portland-thorns-fc-2023-05-06/latest?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=PREVIEW NCC vs POR 56&utm_medium=email)(NWSL) [Broadcast:](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/national-womens-soccer-league/?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=PREVIEW NCC vs POR 56&utm_medium=email) Paramount+ (PXP: JP Dellacamera, Analyst: Jordan Angeli)
Social Media: @TheNCCourage
CARY, N.C. (May 5, 2023) — The North Carolina Courage play their second home game in four days as they take on the Portland Thorns this Saturday, May 6, at 7:00PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are on sale now and the game will stream live on Paramount+ with @TheNCCourage providing live updates on social media before, during and after the match.
The Courage are coming off a midweek draw, 1-1, with Gotham FC in UKG Challenge Cup play. The Courage got off to a fast start with an early goal by Mille Gejl produced from a cross by Olivia Wingate, who earned her first professional assist. The Courage had several chances to add to the lead, including a penalty, but could not put Gotham away. Lynn Williams would make them pay,tying the match with a quarter-hour left. The draw pushed the Courage unbeaten streak in the UKG Challenge Cup to 12 games, extending their NWSL record. With a month gone in the 2023 season, the new-look Courage are settling into their roles and play has progressively improved. Roster depth has been a key to recent success, with numerous options and rotations that all bring varied, yet complimentary, skillsets to the field.
The Match up
Saturday pits a pair of reigning champions against each other in the 2022 Challenge Cup winning Courage and NWSL Champion Thorns. Overall, the Courage are 8W-3D-4L lifetime against Portland and have won seven of their 13 regular season matches against the Thorns (D3 L3). North Carolina is the only NWSL team with a winning record against Portland in regular season play. The teams drew in their first meeting of last season, with the Courage twice coming from behind in a 3-3 final at Providence Park. Three weeks later, the Courage earned a 3-1 win at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Courage have not lost to the Thorns since September 12, 2021.
Scouting Portland
The Thorns are coming off a dramatic home draw with Angel City FC when goalkeeper Bella Bixby scored a back-heeled goal to equalize in the 90+5’. The Thorns are the only team still undefeated in the 2023 regular season with three wins and two draws. The Thorns have played just one road match thus far, winning at Kansas City behind a Sophia Smith hat-trick. This weekend begins a grueling stretch for the NWSL table leaders with six of their next seven games on the road. The Thorns lead the NWSL in goals (14), assists (8), shots on goal (41) and, shots (82). Their 82 shots are 25 more than the next highest team, Gotham, who has taken 57. Newly named NWSL Player of the Month Sophia Smith has four goals and four assists. Morgan Weaver has three goals while Hina Sugita and Crystal Dunn have each scored twice for the Thorns.
Players to Watch
*NC Courage: #*12 Emily Fox The Courage acquired defender Emily Fox in a trade with Louisville earlier this year and she’s made an immediate impact within the Courage. She was named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month for March/April after the defender won 21 duels, made 10 interceptions, passed at 82% accuracy, and assisted on the winning goal in the Courage’s 1-0 win over the Houston Dash on April 28.Fox has been a mainstay on the U.S. National Team during this World Cup year, playing every minute of the She Believes Cup before scoring her first national team goal with the game-winner against Ireland in April. Fox is a tenacious defender who’s also proving to be more than capable in the attacking third. *Portland: #*9 Sophia Smith At just 22 years old, Sophia Smith has already put the NWSL – and the world – on notice. The reigning NWSL MVP has picked up right where she left off, earning league Player of the Month honors for March/April. She’s the youngest and fastest player to score 25 regular season goals and already has as many assists this season (4) as her first two years combined.Smith was the 2022 U.S. Female Soccer Player of the Year and will be a major piece of the United States’ quest for the World Cup in 2023.
Next Up
The Courage will be back at WakeMed Soccer Park for their third game of a four game home stand, hosting OL Reign on Sunday, May 14, at 3:00 p.m. ET. The match up will air on Paramount+ and @TheNCCourage will provide social media updates. Tickets for the match can be purchased here.
