Cary, N.C. (July 13, 2019) – The North Carolina Courage were victorious in Saturday night’s matchup against Reign FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. With a third consecutive win, the Courage have a 6W-2L-4D (21 points) record and move into first place in the NWSL standings. Lynn Williams and Debinha each scored in the 2-0 victory, while Kristen Hamilton and Merritt Mathias recorded assists.

“This lineup is doing really well,” said head coach Paul Riley. “Hamilton had another really good game. Lynn Williams has hit some great form right now and Debinha has been special.”

The NC Courage began the first half with pressure that did not relent as they moved forward. In the 12th minute, Hamilton looked to score once again following her phenomenal performance in the Courage’s last match against the Houston Dash. The wide-left look was thwarted by Reign FC goalkeeper, Casey Murphy.

It only took a few more minutes for Hamilton to come into play as she made a pass up the middle to Williams. The forward was able to find the back of the net in the 22nd minute, putting the Courage up 1-0.

Only four minutes into the second half, Mathias made a cross from the right side of the pitch to an oncoming Debinha on the far left. The midfielder volleyed the ball near-post, giving the Courage a 2-0 lead. The Brazilian international has been consistent in every game since returning from the Women’s World Cup with two goals and an assist in the last three games.

The NC Courage didn’t stop taking shots throughout the rest of the second half and kept the offensive pressure on Reign FC, but they were not able to extend their lead, finishing the game out with the 2-0 score.

Up Next: The Courage will travel to face the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, July 21, at 6 p.m. The two teams have met twice this season, one match ending with a tie and the other with a 3-1 Red Stars victory.

Notes:

• Lynn Williams scored her 5th goal of the season. She leads the NWSL in shots and is second in the league for shots on goal.

• Kristen Hamilton was able to secure her second assist.

• Although they do not report to training officially until Tuesday, World Cup Champions Samantha Mewis, Jessica McDonald, and Abby Dahlkemper were in attendance supporting their teammates.

• The three USWNT players along with Abby Erceg, Stephanie Labbe, and Debinha were honored in a post-game recognition. Crystal Dunn was also recognized but was not in attendance. 

• Stephanie Labbé and Abby Erceg returned to the pitch for the first time since representing their countries during the World Cup.

• Labbé earned her third clean sheet of the season.

• With the win, the Courage remain unbeaten at home.

Box:

NCC (4-4-2): Stephanie Labbé; Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Erceg ©, Kaleigh Kurtz, Merritt Mathias; Debinha (Lauren Milliet, 90+1’), Denise O’Sullivan, Cari Roccaro (Meredith Speck, 80’), McCall Zerboni; Lynn Williams, Kristen Hamilton (Leah Pruitt, 76’)

Subs not used: Katelyn Rowland, McKenzie Meehan, Shannon Horgan, Julia Spetsmark,

RFC (4-3-3): Casey Murphy; Steph Catley, Lauren Barnes ©, Megan Oyster, Theresa Nielsen; Beverly Yanez (Addison Steiner, 45+3’), Celia Jimenez Delgado (Kristen McNabb, 46’), Morgan Proffitt; Ifeoma Onumonu, Bethany Balcer, Shea Groom (Maegan Kelly, 41’)

Subs not used: Kiersten Dallstream, Erin Yenney, Christen Westphal, Lydia Williams

Score:
NCC: 2
RFC: 0

Goals:
NCC: Lynn Williams (Kristen Hamilton, 22’), Debinha (Merritt Mathias, 55’)
RFC:

Cautions:
NCC: Denise O’Sullivan 70’
RFC: Bethany Balcer 88’

Ejections:
NCC: —
RFC: —

Attendance: 6,216