Key Transactions
The Courage have not made any recent transactions since their last match with the Pride on June 1, but they have returned all of their World Cup players since that last meeting. Brazilian international Debinha, New Zealand defender Abby Erceg and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions Samantha Mewis, Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn and Jessica McDonald have all rejoined the North Carolina squad and are each expected to be available for selection on Saturday.
Recent Form
North Carolina enters Saturday’s match riding a three-game winning streak, including a 6-0 victory over the Portland Thorns at Providence Park on Wednesday, the largest margin of victory in NWSL history. The Courage hold a +8 goal differential in that span with their last loss coming to the Thorns just over a month ago on August 11.
Who’s Hot
Lynn Williams leads the Courage with 10 goals this season, trailing only Chicago’s Sam Kerr in NWSL with 15. Williams scored a hat trick on Wednesday in Portland, putting her ahead of teammate Kristen Hamilton for the lead on the squad. Hamilton has recorded nine finishes this season and earned her first call to the U.S. Women’s National Team earlier this month.
Head-to-Head
The Pride hold a 2-6-0 record against the Courage throughout Club history and will look to avenge losses to North Carolina in each of their previous meetings this season. The Courage took the first contest at WakeMed Soccer Park with a 5-0 win and then earned a 3-0 victory at Exploria Stadium on June 1.
Rasmussen College Fun Fact
Saturday’s match will serve as North Carolina’s third Breast Cancer Awareness Night.
The Courage have recently joined forces with the Pride for their own breast cancer initiative, donating a ball signed by their entire squad to the Pride’s online auction with all profits going to Libby’s Legacy in conjunction with the Club’s first Breast Cancer Awareness match on Saturday, Oct. 12.
