Cary, NC (September 12, 2019)- The North Carolina Courage will host the Orlando Pride on Saturday, September 14 at 7 p.m. The Courage moved into first place in the NWSL standings after a 6-0 win over the Portland Thorns on Wednesday. The game is Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Aetna. There will also be a postgame ceremony celebrating the career of USWNT and NC Courage legend Heather O’Reilly.
Paul Riley’s team extended their three-game win streak Wednesday night against the Thorns after Lynn Williams scored three goals. The hat trick was Williams’ second of her career and the third hat trick recorded by a Courage player this season.
Other goals in the 6-0 win came from Debinha, Crystal Dunn, and Kristen Hamilton. Debinha had three assists in the match while Crystal Dunn, Merritt Mathias, Jaelene Hinkle each had one.
After the match, Lynn Williams moved her goal total to 10 on the season and is in second place in the NWSL in goals scored. Hamilton scored her ninth goal of the season and is tied for third place in the NWSL. With her three-assist appearance, Debinha leads the NWSL in assists with six. Mathias and Hinkle are tied for the second most assist in the league with five each.
The Orlando Pride also had a midweek game, playing the Chicago Red Stars Wednesday night. A 95th-minute goal by Chicago’s Casey Short was the game-winner in Orlando’s 1-0 loss.
The Courage and Pride last met on June 1, where the Courage secured a 3-0 victory. The NC Courage have outscored Orlando eight goals to none in 2019.
Up Next: The North Carolina Courage have another quick turnaround, hosting the Houston Dash on Tuesday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNEWS.
Players to Watch:
North Carolina Courage- #9 Lynn Williams
Williams is on a streak, scoring four goals in the past three games. She has 10 goals and 5 assists on the season. Williams notched her second career hat trick on September 11 against the Portland Thorns.
Orlando Pride- #10 Marta
Marta has scored five goals this season. She last scored on August 24 against the Washington Spirit. The Brazilian has years of soccer experience and will look to make things happen for the Orlando Pride.
