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North Carolina Courage

North Carolina Courage Set to Play Orlando Pride in Friendship Cup

March 21, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


The North Carolina Courage will take on the Orlando Pride this Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. This preseason match between the two NWSL teams is the first game of the Friendship Cup doubleheader where North Carolina FC will play Mexican club Necaxa in the second match at 3:30 p.m. The event is presented by Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint and Summit Hospitality.

The match will feature many well-known stars on both teams. The Courage will be with all of their international players including Sam Mewis, Abby Dahlkemper and Debinha. Orlando Pride will bring along Alex Morgan, Marta and Ashlyn Harris.

The Courage come into the game with three preseason games under their belt. The team took on Clemson in the first preseason match of the year on March 9. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Julia Spetsmark scoring the goal for the Courage.

On March 19, the Courage went head to head with women's college soccer powerhouse UNC. Former Tar Heel, Jessica McDonald, scored the first goal of the match in the 7th minute, blasting a ball into the net from close range. After hitting the post and crossbar four times, the Courage finally found the back of the net again in the 75th minute. Non-roster invitee, Shannon Horgan, played a ball that was headed in by Elizabeth Eddy to clinch the 2-0 win.

The Courage turned around one day later to take on Wake Forest University in Winston Salem. Cari Rocarro scored first with a hard-driven ball from outside the box in the 24th minute. Kristen Hamilton built off the momentum, scoring goals in the 39th and 44th minutes. Spetsmark added the fourth and final tally in the 4-0 win.

The Orlando Pride and North Carolina Courage have never met in preseason. The two teams last played in August 2018 where the Courage won 3-0.

Fact to Know: This match is one of three that the Orlando Pride will play at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in 2019. The team will return for regular season games on April 17 and September 14.

Players to Watch:

North Carolina Courage- #13 Abby Dahlkemper

Dahlkemper rejoins the NC Courage after a successful offseason making many appearances for the USWNT. The center back is a staple to the defensive line of the reigning NWSL Champions. During the 2018 season, Dahlkemper took a majority of the Courage's corner kicks and set pieces.

Orlando Pride- #13 Alex Morgan

Morgan also rejoins the Orlando Pride after an offseason that consisted of much time with the USWNT. Morgan currently sits at 99 international goals, looking for her 100th. The forward is one of the fastest in the league, always looking to split defensive lines. Alongside her teammate Marta, the two will look to apply a great deal of offensive pressure.

Up Next: The North Carolina Courage have two more preseason games at WakeMed Soccer Park on March 30 versus South Carolina and April 6 against Virginia. They will play the Chicago Red Stars in the regular season home opener on April 13 at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and more information please visit nccourage.com.

Check out the North Carolina Courage Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 21, 2019


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