Match Preview: First Place NC Courage Hosts The Orlando Pride
MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE VS ORLANDO PRIDE
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 – 4 P.M. ET
TICKETS: NCFCTix.com
BROADCAST INFO:
LIVE STREAM: go90.com
DIGITAL: go90
LIVE UPDATES: @THENCCOURAGE #NCvORL
Match Preview:
The NC Courage (2W-0L-0D, 6 pts, 1st place) hosts the Orlando Pride (0W-1L-1D, 1 pt, 9th place) on Saturday, April 29 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. After defeating both the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns 1-0, the NC Courage sits at the top of the NWSL table going into Week 3.
After the first two weeks, the NC Courage leads the league in shots with 33, and NC Courage standout Debinha leads the league with eight shots. Additionally, NC Courage goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo has posted two consecutive shutouts against worthy opponents.
Saturday’s game will be packed with talent as Orlando Pride’s Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris face off against USWNT teammates Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams. There will be a total of five Brazilian internationals present between the two sides on Saturday including Debinha and Rosana of the NC Courage and Marta, Monica Hickmann Alves and Camila Pereira of the Orlando Pride.
2016 NWSL Championship Ring Ceremony:
A ring ceremony recognizing the players and coaching staff of the 2016 Western New York Flash team who won last year’s NWSL Championship will take place before Saturday’s match.
Western New York Flash owners, the Sahlen family, will be in attendance as the 2016 Championship rings are distributed to the players and coaching staff. They will be recognized at halftime for their contribution to women’s soccer. Additionally, Lynn Williams will be receiving her 2016 NWSL MVP and Golden Boot awards.
Last Time Out:
The Courage sealed the first home win in club history in a 1-0 victory against the Portland Thorns on April 22. Debinha scored the first home goal in team history to defeat the Thorns 1-0. With an assist from McDonald, Debinha’s goal was a top contender for the NWSL Goal of the Week.
Orlando is coming off of a 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit. Rookie Danica Evans earned the NWSL Goal of the Week after scoring her first professional goal in the 86th minute of that game. Ahead of the 2017 season, Orlando has added key signings to their roster including USWNT standout Ali Krieger and Brazilian Superstar, Marta who join 2016 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Ashlyn Harris.
Players to Watch:
#10 Debinha
Debinha’s high-energy playing style brought the NC Courage crowd to their feet during the team’s inaugural home opener. She isn’t afraid to take risks, as displayed by her stunning bicycle kick against Portland. Her speed and attacking mindset will pose a threat for Orlando’s defense, especially with Jess McDonald and Lynn Williams mixed in to the attack. Visible
#10 Marta
Marta is known around the world for her speed and skills which separates her from all other players, plus she’s a five-time FIFA World Player of the Year. Last game, she saw the field for 20 minutes and immediately made an impact. She’ll be a steady force in Orlando’s attack and is hungry for her first NWSL goal.
Coming up Next:
The NC Courage travel north to take on the Boston Breakers on May 7 at 6 pm. The following week, the team will have a rematch against the Orlando Pride on May 14 in Orlando.
