CARY, N.C. (April 15, 2019)- The North Carolina Courage return to the pitch this Wednesday, April 17 as they host the Orlando Pride at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7 p.m.
The NC Courage kicked off their season last Saturday with a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars after Crystal Dunn scored the equalizer in the second half. Jessica McDonald’s throw-in found the feet of Dunn who took a couple of dribbles before blasting a low, hard shot in the corner of the net.
McDonald earned her first assist of the season on the Dunn goal. She had eight assists in 2018. Dunn also started off her scoring campaign for the season after scoring eight goals in 2018. The game also marked Leah Pruitt’s NWSL debut. The 5th overall pick in the NWSL draft entered the match in the 70th minute as a substitution.
The Orlando Pride started their 2019 season with a 2-0 loss to the Portland Thorns on Sunday. Orlando gave up one goal in each half. It was the team’s first regular season game under new head coach, Marc Skinner.
The last regular season meeting between the North Carolina Courage and the Orlando Pride was in August 2018 where the Courage won 3-0. After an Orlando own goal, Debinha and Lynn Williams each scored in the match. The NC Courage lead the overall series between the two teams with 4W-2L-0D. Additionally, the two teams met in the preseason on March 23 where the NC Courage won, 4-0.
Fact to Know: Meredith Speck, Jessica McDonald, Lynn Williams, and Julia Spetsmark were the goal scorers during the Courage’s 4-0 preseason win against the Orlando Pride.
Players to Watch:
North Carolina Courage- #14 Jessica McDonald
The 2018 NWSL Championship MVP returns ready for the 2019 season. In the team’s first match, McDonald earned the start and recorded her first assist of the season. She appeared in 25 games with 10 goals throughout the 2018 season.
Orlando Pride- #13 Alex Morgan
Morgan rejoins the Orlando Pride after an offseason that consisted of much time with the USWNT. Morgan recently scored her 100th goal for the USWNT and often serves as the team’s captain. The forward is one of the fastest in the league and will look to build off of her USWNT success as she plays for the Pride.
Up Next: The North Carolina Courage travel for their first road test against the Houston Dash on Sunday, April 28. The game will take place at 6:00 p.m. ET at BBVA Compass Stadium.
