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NWSL North Carolina Courage

Match Preview: NC Courage V. NJ/NY Gotham FC - Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. ET

March 17, 2022 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


CARY, NC - The NC Courage will face NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. ET for their first match of the third annual NWSL Challenge Cup. Tickets are available here, and the match will air live on Paramount+.

In the last meeting between these two sides, the Courage fell to Gotham 3-0, with two goals from Margaret Purce and an individual goal from former Gotham forward Carli Lloyd being the deciding factor for NJ/NY. In order to kickstart their Challenge Cup campaign on a high note, the Courage will look to dominate Saturday's contest from the opening whistle and avenge Gotham's last visit to Cary.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

Players to Watch presented by JubliaRX.com

North Carolina Courage - #10 Debinha

A crucial mainstay in the Courage midfield, Debinha returns to the pitch this season after appearing in 19 matches for a total of 1,661 minutes in 2021. The Brazilian international scored three goals for the North Carolina side in the 2021 regular season and will look to continue a similar pattern as the Challenge Cup and regular season quickly approaches. A veteran amongst a roster full of new faces, the 30-year-old will hold a leadership role in both the attack and on defense in Saturday's tilt against an East Coast foe, while also aiming to get on the scoresheet and create chances for her teammates.

NJ/NY Gotham FC - #23 Margaret Purce

A contender for NWSL MVP and the Golden Boot award last season, Midge Purce will provide a persistent challenge to the Courage defense in Saturday's match. For Gotham last season, Purce netted nine goals in 18 appearances, all of which were starts, registering a total of 1,477 minutes of playing time. The Silver Spring, MD, native's breakout year earned her a subsequent callup to the US Women's National Team last year, and she has since appeared in several matches for her country. Purce will look to open her scoring account on the season in Saturday's matchup.

Up Next: The Courage continue NWSL Challenge Cup play at home against the Orlando Pride on Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. ET.

Check out the North Carolina Courage Statistics

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