Match Info:
North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride Saturday, September 19 – 1:00 p.m. ET WakeMed Soccer Park Watch: CBS
Cary, NC (September 17, 2020) – The North Carolina Courage will remain at home to continue the 2020 NWSL Fall Series against the Orlando Pride at WakeMed Soccer Park this Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Courage will look to secure their second victory of the Fall Series to remain in first place in league standings and continue their 823-day home undefeated streak.
Most recently, the Courage defeated the Houston Dash by a score of 4-3 behind a standout performance from Debinha, who scored two goals during the match. One of the Brazilian midfielder’s goals was a long-range rocket from well beyond the eighteen that was ranked #7 on SportsCenter’s Top Ten Plays the following day. Abby Dahlkemper and Lynn Williams each added a goal to seal the win. Veronica Latsko, Kristie Mewis, and Sophie Schmidt recorded a goal apiece for the Dash. Saturday’s match against the Courage will be the Orlando Pride’s first match in 343 days. The Pride and the Courage would have faced off during the Challenge Cup, but the Pride were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests among their players and staff. Needless to say, the Pride will be eager to return to the pitch against the Courage this weekend. In the last meeting between the two teams, the North Carolina Courage topped the Orlando Pride 6-1 in front of a record crowd behind goals from five different Courage players – Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald, McKenzie Meehan, Heather O’Reilly, and Debinha – and an own goal by the Pride’s defense. The Courage will look to repeat the dominant win in their upcoming match against Orlando.
Players to Watch Presented by Aetna:
North Carolina Courage – #10 Debinha After her stellar performance against the Houston Dash in which she netted two goals, fans can expect Debinha to utilize her speed, lethal shot, and quick footwork to challenge Orlando’s defense and create scoring opportunities for the Courage during Saturday’s match. Keep an eye out as the young Brazilian star faces the all-time Brazilian great, Marta. Orlando Pride – #11 Ali Krieger A USWNT star and standout on defense, Krieger will provide an immense challenge to the Courage’s offense as she bolsters the Pride’s backline. Named to the NWSL Best XI last season, Krieger started and played every minute of the 12 matches she was available for in 2019.
