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NCAA Womens College Cup Calls Cary Home Again

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CARY, N.C. (November 26, 2018)– For the eighth time in the history of the NCAA Women’s College Cup, the tournament is returning to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. 

No other venue has hosted the tournament more, with only Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C., coming close, hosting the tournament seven times. As a state, the NCAA Women’s College Cup returns to North Carolina frequently, with 18 total visits in the tournament’s 36-year history. 

A stadium capacity of 10,000, paired with one of the best soccer pitches in the country and surrounding training grounds, it’s easy to see why Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park has become the unofficial home of the Women’s College Cup. The facility has also hosted the likes of Concacaf, the USWNT, the USMNT and nearly 30 national and professional teams from 15 different countries since 2002.

Fittingly, the NCAA’s most familiar guest is back, with UNC qualifying for the College Cup for the 28thtime in school history. Led by a plethora of connections to the NC Courage and North Carolina Football Club, this year’s College Cup is filled with local talent. 

UNC is coached by Triangle soccer legend Anson Dorrance and is an NCAA record 21-time winner of the College Cup. NC Courage assistant coach Bill Palladino and longtime Triangle soccer coach Damon Nahas are assistants on Dorrance’s staff.  Among the UNC roster, seven Tar Heels have played youth soccer with North Carolina Football Club through NCFC Youth’s ECNL team.

Additionally, the team features six others that have played youth soccer in the state of North Carolina, bringing the total number of 11 homegrown players vying for an NCAA Championship in their home state.

Stanford, Florida State and Georgetown will also make the trip to Cary to compete for a national title. Stanford and Florida State have both previously played at the venue in College Cup matches. FSU also recently won the 2018 ACC Championship at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer earlier this fall. Georgetown is the lone first-time guest and will play a postseason soccer match in Cary for the first time in program history.

The semifinal round will kick off on Friday, Nov. 30 with Georgetown vs. UNC at 5 p.m. and Stanford vs. Florida State at 7:30 p.m. The final will be played on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. All three matches will be played on the stadium field at WakeMed Soccer Park and broadcast live on ESPNU. Tickets are available for purchase here.

UNC Connections to North Carolina Football Club:

NCFC Youth ECNL Players with UNC

Sydney Spruill

Taylor Otto

Brianna Pinto

Morgan Goff

Abby Staker

Alex Kimball

Laura Sparling

Early Graduates Highlight National Signing Day for North Carolina Football Club

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CARY, N.C. (November 15, 2018)– Yesterday was an important day for North Carolina Football Club – and specifically NCFC Youth. On National Signing Day, the next class of college-bound high school seniors from the largest youth-to-pro club in the country signed National Letters of Intent to continue soccer careers at their respective colleges and universities.
 
Among the standout group heading to the next level, five players are graduating high school early to get a jump start on their athletic and academic careers. Sheldon China Jr., Gabe Mercer, Camryn Dixon, Maggie Pierce and Anna Rockett are set to begin their college careers with the start of the new semester in January. 
 
A trend that is becoming more-and-more common each year, going to college early will give the players a head start on adapting to life as a student athlete and paving the way for a successful freshman season.
 
As NCFC Youth continues to grow, the pipeline of players heading to the next level has also increased. Last year, 77 players signed to play soccer at 46 schools. The 2019 class from NCFC Youth will be finalized and recognized early next year with the celebration of College Signing Night.
 
NCFC Youth Early Graduate Profiles:
 
Sheldon China Jr.
Position: Forward
School: NC State
NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
 
Gabe Mercer
Position: Midfielder
School: UNC Wilmington
NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy
Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.
 
Camryn Dixon
Position: Forward
School: South Carolina
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
 
Maggie Pierce
Position: Midfielder
School: UNC
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
 
Anna Rockett 
Position: Defender
School: LSU
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.

2019 NWSL College Draft to be Held on Jan. 10 at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago

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CHICAGO (November 8, 2018)– The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the 2019 NWSL College Draft will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago. 

2019 NWSL College Draft
United Soccer Coaches Convention
McCormick Place – West Building
2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019
Start time: 12 p.m. ET
Room: Skyline Ballroom

The draft will be held in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place and will be open to the public and media. In addition, NWSL will once again live stream the draft with more details to be announced.   

The latest order for the 2019 College Draft and all past results from the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 drafts can be found on  NWSLsoccer.com.

The United Soccer Coaches Convention will take place Jan. 9-13, 2019 in Chicago — bringing thousands of coaches, administrators and other soccer enthusiasts together in one place. For a complete schedule of events and more information about the convention, please visit the official website at unitedsoccercoachesconvention.org. 

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HISTORY! NC Courage Claim NWSL Championship with 3-0 Win Over Portland

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Click here to view NWSL Championship highlights

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 22, 2018) –The top-seeded NC Courage capped off a historic season on Saturday night with a 3-0 victory over second-seeded Portland Thorns FC to win the NWSL Championship. With the victory, the Courage cements its status as the best professional women’s soccer team in the United States – and possibly the world. 
 
In 2018, the Courage claimed a historic treble, winning the Women’s International Champions Cup, the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship, breaking multiple records along the way in the most dominant and most successful U.S. women’s professional soccer season to date.
 
In a match filled with intensity from the opening kick, it didn’t take long for the sides to begin creating chances.
 
In the 13th minute, the Courage broke the deadlock with an early goal. Lynn Williams found space down the flank and whipped a shot past Portland goalkeeper Adrianna Franch. The ball rebounded off the crossbar and fell into the path of a wide-open Debinha, who headed the ball into the open net.
 
The teams traded opportunities for the rest of the half, and just before the halftime whistle, the NC Courage made Portland pay for another defensive lapse. 
 
Jaelene Hinkle sent a cross past the Portland backline and Jessica McDonald ran unmarked to the ball and headed in the goal by a stranded Franch.
 
Out of the halftime break, Portland produced a flurry of chances, but the Courage defense held strong before clinching the match with another clinical finish. 
 
In the 64th minute, off a corner kick, Abby Dahlkemper played a short pass to Sam Mewis who fed Merritt Mathias at the top corner of the 18-yard box. The defender then played a cross through the middle of the box that found McDonald. The forward tucked home her second goal of the night with a well-placed header to ice the game.
 
With a 3-0 lead intact, the Courage defense buckled down and turned away Portland for the final 26 minutes to earn the team’s 13th shutout of the season and complete the playoff run with zero goals allowed.
 
Notes:
The NC Courage have won three trophies this season – the Women’s ICC title, the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship.
 
The 3-0 win was the largest margin of victory in an NWSL Championship game ever.
 
The NC Courage avenged last season’s NWSL Championship loss to the Portland Thorns. In total, the Courage went 4-0-0 against Portland in 2018, outing scoring the side 10-2 over the 2018 series.
 
The game was played at a sold-out Providence Park with a crowd of 21,144.
 
Portland was shutout at home for the first time since May 29, 2016.
 
Box Score:
 
NCC (4-4-2): Katelyn Rowland; Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Erceg ©, Abby Dahlkemper, Merritt MathiasDebinha (Kristen Hamilton, 78’), Denise O’Sullivan, Samantha Mewis, Crystal Dunn (Heather O’Reilly, 
87’); Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald (Darian Jenkins, 90+’)

Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Meredith Speck, Cari Roccaro, Kaleigh Kurtz
 
POR (4-3-3): Adrianna Franch; Meghan Klingenberg, Emily Menges, Emily Sonnett, Ellie Carpenter (Midge Purce, 90+’); Lindsey Horan, Christine Sinclair ©, Celeste Boureille; Tobin Heath, Ana Crnogorcevic (Andressinha, 68’), Caitlin Foord

Subs not used: Elizabeth Ball, Britt Eckerstrom, Mallory Weber, Tyler Lussi, Ifeoma Onumonu

Score:
NCC: 3
POR:  0
 
Goals:
NCC: Debinha (unassisted, 13’), Jessica McDonald (Jaelene Hinkle, 40’, Merritt Mathias, 64’)
POR: —

Cautions:
NCC: Denise O’Sullivan 42’, Jessica McDonald 65’
POR: —

Ejections:
NCC: —
POR: —
 
Attendance: 21,144

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NC Courage Set toConclude Historic Season in NWSL Championship Rematch

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MATCHDAY INFO:
 
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE VS PORTLAND THORNS FC
PROVIDENCE PARK
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 4:30 P.M. ET

BROADCAST: LIFETIME (U.S.), NWSLSOCCER.COM (INTERNATIONAL)
LIVE UPDATES: @THENCCOURAGE #NCvPOR

Portland, Ore. (September 21, 2018)– The top-seeded North Carolina Courage have advanced to the NWSL Championship for the second consecutive year after defeating the Chicago Red Stars, 2-0, on Tuesday evening. They will take on the second-seeded Portland Thorns in a rematch of last year’s NWSL Championship. The game will take place at Providence Park in Portland on Saturday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted live on Lifetime.
 
In the NWSL Semifinal match on Tuesday, Jessica McDonald wasted no time, scoring a goal in the 5th minute of the game. Crystal Dunn earned the assist on the goal after serving McDonald the perfect pass. The match was a back and forth battle until the 86th minute when Samantha Mewis hit a highlight-reel strike from 25 yards outside the box. Mewis’s shot sailed into the upper 90, out of reach of Chicago’s keeper, Alyssa Naeher. Dunn also assisted Mewis’s goal.
 
The Portland Thorns defeated Seattle Reign in their NWSL Semifinal match on Saturday, Sept. 18. After going down early, the Thorns came back to win, 2-1. Tobin Heath scored in the 43rd minute, followed by a Lindsey Horan goal in the 77th minute.
 
The NWSL Shield winners have made it to their second consecutive NWSL Championship since relocating to North Carolina. They are looking to defeat the Portland Thorns, who won the NWSL Championship, 1-0, in 2017. The two teams last played on Aug. 5, where the Courage won, 2-1, behind a brace by Lynn Williams. With the win, the North Carolina Courage clinched the 2018 NWSL Shield. 
 
The Courage have defeated the Thorns three times this season, outscoring them 7-2 in 2018. The NC Courage’s last loss to the Portland Thorns came in the 2017 NWSL Championship. This year’s rematch will undoubtedly be another exciting matchup between the two best teams in the league. 
 
Series History:
Since relocating to Cary, the Courage are 4W-2L-0D against Portland.
 
April 23, 2017, Cary, N.C. – 1-0 W (Debinha, 81’)
July 14, 2017, Portland, Ore.- 1-0 L (Raso, 70’)
October 14, 2017, Orlando, Fl.- 1-0 L (Horan, 50’) NWSL Championship
March 24, 2018- Cary, N.C.- 1-0 W (Debinha, 70’)
May 30, 2018- Portland, Ore- 4-1 W (Williams, 31’, Debinha, 58’, Williams, 62’, Mewis, 64’, Reynolds, 89’)
August 5, 2018- Cary, N.C.- 2-1 W (Williams, 37’, Williams, 45’, Horan, 49’)
 
Fact to Know:
Crystal Dunn, McCall Zerboni, Abby Erceg, and Abby Dahlkemper were named to the NWSL’s Best XI this week. Lynn Williams, Debinha, and Merritt Mathias were named to the NWSL’s Second XI.
 
Players to Watch:
North Carolina Courage – #3 Samantha Mewis
After overcoming an injury at the beginning of the season, Sam Mewis has come back strong, making a difference on the field. She has four goals on the season, including one in the NWSL Semifinal game. She also has two assists in 2018. Mewis is no stranger to big games, having played in numerous important games for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
 
Portland Thorns- #17 Tobin Heath
Tobin Heath has led the Portland Thorns all season, starting in 15 of the 18 games she has appeared in, while scoring eight goals. Heath is a versatile player, scoring four times with her right foot, three times with her left foot, and one time with her head. She scored in the Thorn’s NWSL Semifinal against Portland last week. Heath is no stranger to the spotlight, as one of the best-known players on the U.S. Women’s National Team.

 

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Seven NC Courage Players on NWSLs Best XI and Second XI

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CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2018) –The National Women’s Soccer League announced today, the Best XI and Second XI selections for the 2018 NWSL season.
 
NWSL Shield winners, the North Carolina Courage, are well represented with Abby Erceg, Abby Dahlkemper, McCall Zerboni and Crystal Dunn voted on the Best XI, while Lynn Williams, Merritt Mathias, and Debinha all made the Second XI list. 
 
The Courage and Portland Thorns FC are set to feature in the 2018 NWSL Championship on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. in a match broadcast nationally at 4:30 p.m. ET live on Lifetime.
 
Five players were voted to the Best XI for the second consecutive year – highlighted by Utah Royals FC defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who earned her sixth straight selection to the squad. Chicago Red Stars forward Sam Kerr, North Carolina Courage defender Abby Dahlkemper, Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, North Carolina Courage midfielder McCall Zerboni were the other players to repeat as selections from the 2017 Best XI.
 
Three players earned their first selection to the Best XI this year including North Carolina Courage defender Abby Erceg, Portland Thorns FC midfielder Lindsey Horan and Portland Thorns FC defender Emily Sonnett.
 
Erceg was also one of three players – along with Horan and Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe – that made the leap to the Best XI after making the Second XI last season.

 

Position Player Club Country Note
Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch Portland Thorns FC USA 1.00 GAA
         
Defender Emily Sonnett Portland Thorns FC USA 1 goal, 1 assist
Defender Becky Sauerbrunn Utah Royals FC USA 1,720 minutes
Defender Abby Erceg North Carolina Courage NZL 2 goals, 2 assists
Defender Abby Dahlkemper North Carolina Courage USA 1,710 minutes
         
Midfielder Tobin Heath Portland Thorns FC USA 7 goals, 7 assists
Midfielder Lindsey Horan Portland Thorns FC USA 13 goals, 2 assists
Midfielder McCall Zerboni North Carolina Courage USA 3 goals, 1 assist
         
Forward Crystal Dunn North Carolina Courage USA 8 goals, 5 assists
Forward Sam Kerr Chicago Red Stars AUS 16 goals, 4 assists
Forward Megan Rapinoe Seattle Reign FC  USA 7 goals, 6 assists

 

The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.
 
The NWSL Second XI is comprised of the next leading vote getters at each position that did not make the Best XI (listed by position):

 

Position Player Club Country Note  
Goalkeeper Lydia Williams Seattle Reign FC AUS 10 Clean Sheets  
         
Defender Merritt Mathias North Carolina Courage USA 3 goals, 2 assists  
Defender Julie Ertz Chicago Red Stars USA 1,126 minutes  
Defender Emily Menges Portland Thorns FC USA 1,305 minutes  
Defender Steph Catley Seattle Reign FC  AUS 3 assists  
           
Midfielder Debinha North Carolina Courage BRA 8 goals, 2 assists  
Midfielder Carli Lloyd Sky Blue FC USA 4 goals, 1 assist  
Midfielder Christine Sinclair Portland Thorns FC CAN 9 goals, 6 assists  
           
Forward Lynn Williams North Carolina Courage USA 14 goals, 5 assists  
Forward Rachel Daly Houston Dash ENG 10 goals, 2 assists  
Forward Sofia Huerta Houston Dash USA 5 goals, 4 assists  

 
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a nine-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from around the world. The clubs are the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Utah Royals FC and the Washington Spirit.

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Dahlkemper, Dunn and Mewis Named to 20-Player Roster for 2018 Concacaf Womens Championship

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CHICAGO (Sept. 19, 2018)– Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn and Samantha Mewis have all been called up to the U.S. Women’s National Team as head coach Jill Ellis has named 20 players to the roster for the 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championship that will be contested from Oct. 4-17 at three venues across the United States, including Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, where the USWNT will play its group stage Oct. 4-10. Ten of the players named were on the squad that competed in the 2014 Concacaf Women’s Championship.
 
The 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championship features eight countries divided into two groups of four with each group’s top two finishers advancing from round-robin play to the semifinals. The two finalists and the winner of the third-place match will qualify directly to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. The fourth-place finisher will earn a spot in a two-game playoff against Argentina, which finished third in South American qualifying, for a final berth to the tournament.
 
U.S. WNT Concacaf Women’s Championship Roster by Position (Caps/Goals):
GOALKEEPERS (2): Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride; 17/0), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 33/0)
DEFENDERS (7): Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage; 23/0), Crystal Dunn (NC Courage; 69/23), Hailie Mace (UCLA; 2/0), Kelley O’Hara (Utah Royals FC; 108/2), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC; 143/0), Casey Short(Chicago Red Stars; 25/0), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC; 21/0)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Morgan Brian (Chicago Red Stars; 79/6), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 66/16), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC; 56/6), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit; 13/3), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage; 38/7)
FORWARDS (6): Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC; 138/21), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 259/102), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 147/90), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC; 104/45), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit; 37/12), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC; 140/38)
 
“We feel really good about the process that has gotten us to this point, and the final selection of this group,” said Ellis. “We’ve had a couple of injuries recently, but the depth of our pool is excellent, and I have confidence that each of the 20 players will perform at their highest level when called upon in these games. Our group is prepared and highly motivated to earn the right to be a part of France 2019.”  
 
The USA opens its qualifying tournament on Oct. 4 against Mexico (7:30 p.m. ET), faces Panama on Oct. 7 (5 p.m. ET) and then finishes the first round against T&T on Oct. 11 (7:30 p.m. ET). All the USA’s Group A matches will be played in Cary, N.C. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, home of the NWSL regular season champion North Carolina Courage.
 
FOX Sports, the home of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will show 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championship across the FOX Sports family of networks. For viewers on the go, matches can be streamed live via FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app.
 
Of the ten players with previous Women’s World Cup qualifying experience, four have played in multiple tournaments. This will be the fourth World Cup qualifying tournament for forward Carli Lloyd, while forwards Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and defender Becky Sauerbrunn will be competing in their third.
 
The other players who were on the team for the 2014 qualifying tournament are: Morgan Brian, Julie Ertz, Ashlyn Harris, Tobin Heath, Kelley O’Hara and Christen Press. Crystal Dunn, who was named to the roster for the 2014 tournament before an injury ruled her out, will be playing in her first World Cup qualifying competition at the senior level. On that 2014 roster, Dunn was replaced by Julie Johnston, now Ertz, but she did not see action in the tournament.
 
The group of defenders is an excellent mix of young and experienced players. Sauerbrunn, the three-time NWSL Defender of the Year, and O’Hara are both capped more than 100 times. Dunn has 69 caps and has play in 12 of the USA’s 13 games this year at left back while starting nine of those matches. Abby Dahlkemper, the 2017 NWSL Defender of the Year, along with Emily Sonnett and Casey Short, have been three of the top defenders in the NWSL over the past few seasons. UCLA senior Hailie Mace is the only collegiate player on the roster but has earned two caps already. 
 
The midfield is also an experienced group even though just one player – Brian – played in the last qualifying tournament. Ertz has 66 caps to go along with her 16 goals, and Brian has 79 caps. Lindsey Horan, who had an MVP-caliber NWSL season, has 56 caps, and Samantha Mewis has 38 caps and seven goals. Rose Lavelle has 13 caps to go with her three goals.  
 
The U.S. forwards are a formidable group, having combined for 28 of the USA’s 37 goals this year. All six of the forwards have played in a world championship, and five of them have played in multiple world championships. Lloyd leads the USA with 14 games played in World Cup qualifying and is the leading scorer with seven goals. Megan Rapinoe has ten World Cup qualifying caps with three goals while Alex Morgan has seven with two goals. 
 
Additional Notes:

  • Eleven players on this roster were members of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship team. 
  • The players participating in their first World Cup qualifying tournament are G Alyssa Naeher, D Abby Dahlkemper, D Crystal Dunn, D Hailie Mace, D Casey Short, D Emily Sonnett, M Lindsey Horan, M Rose Lavelle, M Samantha Mewis and F Mallory Pugh.
  • Julie Ertz was on the roster for the World Cup qualifying tournament in 2014 but did not play. She could see her first qualifying minutes this time around. 
  • The USA is 11-0-2 in 2018 and is on a 21-game unbeaten run.
  • The USA is 27-1-0 all-time in World Cup qualifying from 1991-2014, including 13-0-0 at home.
  • Thirty-six players have scored for the USA in Women’s World Cup qualifying, and four of them have hit double figures: Abby Wambach (18), Michelle Akers (17), Mia Hamm (12), and Carin Gabarra (10).
  • Six players on this U.S. roster have scored in Women’s World Cup qualifying: Carli Lloyd (7), Megan Rapinoe (3), Tobin Heath (2), Alex Morgan (2), Christen Press (2) and Morgan Brian (1). 
  • With one more goal, Lloyd would tie Brandi Chastain, April Heinrichs and Tiffeny Milbrett for sixth all-time in World Cup qualifying.
  • The United States won the first four Concacaf Women’s World Cup qualifying tournaments in which it competed (1991, 1994, 2002 and 2006) but fell to Mexico in the semifinal of the 2010 competition, which forced the USA to win the Third-Place match and then defeat Italy in a two-game playoff to earn a berth to Germany. That loss to Mexico was the USA’s lone setback in this tournament.
  • The USA won this competition in 2014, defeating Mexico 3-0 in the semifinal to qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup, and then took down Costa Rica 6-0 in the title game.
  • In the semifinal, Lloyd scored twice while Press scored once.
  • In the Championship Game, Abby Wambach had four goals, while Lloyd and Sydney Leroux had one each.
  • The USA has played Mexico in all six Concacaf World Cup qualifying tournaments in which it has participated. As host, the USA did not participate in the qualifying tournament for the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
  • Midfielder McCall Zerboni (elbow) and defender Tierna Davidson (ankle) were not available for selection due to injuries.
  • North Carolina Courage defender Merritt Mathias and Portland Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch will train with the squad to assist in preparation for the matches.

 

– ussoccer.com–

Where To Watch: NC Courage NWSL Championship Match

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The NC Courage have advanced to the NWSL Final and will face the Portland Thorns on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m. ET at Providence Park in Portland, Ore., to decide this year’s NWSL Championship. 
 
The game is a rematch of the 2017 NWSL Championship. After winning the 2018 Women’s ICC and the 2018 NWSL Shield earlier this season, the Courage are aiming to complete the sweep and conclude their record-breaking season with another trophy.
 
Fans are encouraged to watch the game on Lifetime in the U.S. There are also several watch parties going on around the Triangle and surrounding areas for fans to watch the game with other fans.
 
MATCH INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE VS PORTLAND THORNS FC
PROVIDENCE PARK
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 4:30 P.M. ET
 
Broadcast Information:
TV: Lifetime
Digital: MyLifetime (U.S. viewers only – login required)
NWSLSoccer.com (International viewers only)
 
NC Courage Watch Parties
Triangle Soccer Fanatics & Junkyard Dogs– Fortnight Brewing Company
Address: 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511
 
Oak City Supporters– London Bridge Pub
Address: 110 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
 
Carolina Coffee Shop
Address: 138 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Junkyard Dogs – Courtyard Hooligans
Address: 140 Brevard Court, Charlotte 28202

 

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NC Courage Fans In Portland:

Kingston Sports Bar & Grill
Address: 2021 SW Morrison St, Portland

NC Courage fans can meet other fans for brunch and Premier League soccer at 9:30 a.m. PST prior to the NWSL Championship on Saturday at the Kingston Sports Bar & Grill in Portland. Fans under 21 should enter from the Burnside St. entrance. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.

NC Courage Faces NWSL Semifinal Test Against Chicago Red Stars Tuesday in Portland

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MATCHDAY INFO:
 
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE VS CHICAGO RED STARS
PROVIDENCE PARK
KICKOFF: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 AT 9 P.M. ET

BROADCAST: ESPNews, ESPN3 (U.S.), NWSLSOCCER.COM (INTERNATIONAL)
LIVE UPDATES: @THENCCOURAGE #NCvCHI

NC Courage Supporter Watch Parties
Triangle Soccer Fanatics & Junkyard Dogs– Fortnight Brewing Company Click here to RSVP
Oak City Supporters– London Bridge Pub
Carolina Coffee Shop

CARY, N.C. (September 17, 2018)– The top-seeded North Carolina Courage will travel to Portland, Ore., to face the fourth-seeded Chicago Red Stars in the second NWSL Semifinal on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. ET at Providence Park. The match, originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16 in Cary, was moved to Portland due to uncertainty relating to Hurricane Florence.
 
The Courage are coming off a 5-0 win over the Houston Dash on Sept. 8 where the team broke several NWSL records. Jessica McDonald started the scoring in the 13th minute when she put a powerful strike past Houston’s goalkeeper. Crystal Dunn had the next goal in the 26th minute. After the ball hit the post twice, she buried the ball in the net. Lynn Williams then scored a brace with goals in the 44th and 57th minutes. Jessica McDonald assisted both of Williams’ goals. Kristen Hamilton scored her third goal of the season and the fifth goal of the night in the 70th minute, shortly after entering the game.
 
With the win, the 2018 NWSL Shield-winners broke the NWSL record for most wins in a season with 17 wins. The team also broke the record for most points (57), fewest losses (1), most goals scored (53), fewest goals allowed (17), lowest goals against average (.71), and largest goal differential (+36). 
 
The Chicago Red Stars clinched the final spot of the NWSL playoffs with a 5-0 win over Sky Blue FC on Sept. 4. The Red Stars then traveled to Utah to take on the Utah Royals for their final regular season game, where they fell, 2-1. Golden Boot winner, Sam Kerr, scored the Red Star’s only goal of the game. 
 
In the last meeting between the teams, the NC Courage traveled to Chicago in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. Debinha scored off a ball played in by McDonald. The Brazilian sailed through the air to put a header in the back of the net. Kerr scored the goal for Chicago off of a corner kick. 
 
The winner of this NWSL Semifinal will stay in Portland, to take on Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL Championship on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
 
Series History:
Since relocating to Cary, the Courage are 2W-3L-2D against Chicago.
 
Sunday, May 21, 2017, Cary N.C. – 3-1 L (30’-Christen Press, 37’-Sofia Huerta, 45’-Vanessa DiBernardo, 55’-Lynn Williams)
 
Saturday, May 27, 2017, Bridgeview, Ill. – 3-2 L (27’-Danielle Colaprico, 45+4’-Abby Erceg, 54’-Alyssa Mautz, 59’-Vanessa DiBernardo, 82’-Debinha)

Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, Bridgeview, Ill. – 2-1 L (15’-Lynn Williams, 52’-Yuki Nagasato, 84’-Julie Ertz)
 
Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, Cary, N.C. NWSL Semifinal – 1-0 W (89’-Denise O’Sullivan)
 
Sunday, May 6, 2018, Cary, N.C. – 1-1 D (37’-Samantha Kerr, 82’-McCall Zerboni)
 
Wednesday, July 4, 2018, Cary, N.C.- 4-1 W (20’-Dunn, 67’- Williams, 69’- Debinha, 87’- Hamilton, 90+3’- Nagasato)
 
Friday, August 10, 2018, Bridgeview, Ill.- 1-1 D (21’- Debinha, 64’- Sam Kerr)
 
Fact to Know:
 
This will be a rematch of the 2017 NWSL Semifinal game. The NC Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars last year to advance to the NWSL Championship behind and 89th minute strike from Denise O’Sullivan.
 
Players to Watch:
North Carolina Courage – #9 Lynn Williams
Lynn Williams closed out the regular season with another brace, bringing her goal total to 14 for the 2018 season. Williams has been on a scoring streak, scoring in the last three games of the regular season. Williams leads the league with a total of 96 shots over the 24 game span. She has also added five assists. There is no doubt that Williams will be looking to continue her scoring streak in the NWSL Semifinal.
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Chicago Red Stars- #20 Sam Kerr 
After scoring 16 goals during the regular season, Sam Kerr was named the 2018 NWSL Golden Boot winner. Kerr scored six goals in Chicago’s last four regular season games to widen the gap between her, Lynn Williams, and Lindsey Horan. Fifteen of Kerr’s 16 goals came inside the box. Kerr will also be looking to extend her scoring streak during the NWSL Semifinal.

 

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NC Courage Announce Refund Details for 2018 NWSL Semifinal Match Impacted by Hurricane Florence

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CARY, N.C. (September 17, 2018) –The North Carolina Courage have announced that tickets for the NWSL Semifinal home match against the Chicago Red Stars, previously scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m., will be refunded. All refunds are currently being processed.
 
Despite the club’s best efforts to host a sold-out playoff game in front of its home fans, uncertainty surrounding the forecast of Hurricane Florence forced the game to be rescheduled and relocated. The match will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. ET at Providence Park in Portland, Ore., and the game will be broadcast on ESPNews.
 
The NC Courage supporters’ groups are planning watch parties and all fans are encouraged to attend and support the Courage.
 
NC Courage Supporter Watch Parties
Triangle Soccer Fanatics & Junkyard Dogs– Fortnight Brewing Company Click here to RSVP
Oak City Supporters– London Bridge Pub
Carolina Coffee Shop


Fans are also encouraged to consider donating to relief efforts to help victims impacted by Hurricane Florence. Click here to donate.
 
Additionally, your support of North Carolina Football Club is greatly appreciated. There are still a few more chances to see meaningful games played at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park this fall. 
 
North Carolina FC is firmly in the playoff hunt and has two more home games on the schedule where large crowds are anticipated. NCFC will host regional rival Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. and close out the regular season against New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets for both games are available here.
 
The United States Women’s National Team is coming to Cary for the 2018 Concacaf Championships from October 4-10. Mexico, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago were drawn into Group A and will face the USWNT. Click here to purchase tickets.
 
For questions regarding tickets and refunds, please contact the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

 

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