NWSL North Carolina Courage

Match Preview: North Carolina Courage to Take on Chicago Red Stars this Saturday at 2 p.m. ET

Published on June 3, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


CARY, NC - Building off of their momentum from a commanding 5-0 win over Racing Louisville FC last Friday, the North Carolina Courage will look to secure another win against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 5 at 2 p.m. ET at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The match will be streamed live on Paramount+.

The last time these two teams met was during the preliminary round of the 2020 Challenge Cup, in which the Courage defeated the Red Stars 1-0 behind a late goal from captain Abby Erceg. Prior to last year's Challenge Cup, the Courage bested the Red Stars 4-0 to win their second consecutive NWSL Championship at the conclusion of the 2019 season.

The Courage currently sit at fourth place in league standings, behind the Portland Thorns, the Washington Spirit, and the Orlando Pride, who have all played four matches as opposed to the Courage's three. With a win on Saturday, the Courage have a chance to edge into second place. The Red Stars currently hold the eighth place spot, having conceded seven goals in four matches played.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

Players to Watch presented by JubliaRX.com

North Carolina Courage - #9 Lynn Williams

Lynn Williams continues to prove her value as a part of the Courage offensive line, adding a goal in their last contest against Louisville. The combination of Williams' talent on the ball, ability to beat defenders, and vision in the attacking third makes her a dangerous opponent to any defense that challenges her. Williams will look to create scoring chances for her teammates and to add her name to the scoresheet in Saturday's match.

Chicago Red Stars - #9 Mallory Pugh

In six appearances between the Challenge Cup and the regular season, Pugh has shone in the attacking third, scoring two goals and notching two assists. The up-and-coming star also recorded 51 touches, 28 passes and 75% passing accuracy in the Red Stars' last match against the Houston Dash, commanding their offense throughout the game.

Last Time Out

The North Carolina Courage defeated Racing Louisville FC 5-0 in a dominant performance last Friday night, with Abby Erceg, Lynn Williams, and Debinha each adding a goal apiece and Hailie Mace recording the brace. The match also marked the much-anticipated return of Sam Mewis, who appeared in the Courage lineup for the first time since signing with Manchester City in August of 2020.

Read the full recap here.

Up Next: The North Carolina Courage will return home to take on the OL Reign on Saturday, June 19 at 4 p.m. ET at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Check out the North Carolina Courage Statistics

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