Match Preview: Portland Thorns vs North Carolina Courage

The Thorns hit the road to take on the North Carolina Courage.

Hina Sugita celebrates her penalty kick goal with teammate Rocky Rodriguez. Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer / Thorns FC

The Thorns head to North Carolina to take on The Courage at 4 p.m. PT Saturday, May 6 (streaming on Paramount+).

Last season The Thorns and The Courage first tied 3-3 in the first game in their series and then Portland lost 1-3 in the second of their two meetings for the year.

Last year, however, North Carolina finished 7th while Portland finished 2nd, and this year the two teams sit at 8th and first.

Currently, The Thorns are 3-0-2 (11 points) and the Courage is 2-3-0 (6 points).

The Opposition

The Courage host a number of notable players on their roster. That includes Denise O’Sullivan, Casey Murphy, former Thorn Tyler Lussi, and USWNT standout Emily Fox, to name a few.

So far this season, the Courage beat the Kansas City Current 1-0 in their home opener, then lost 1-3 to San Diego away. They returned home where they fell 1-2 to the Washington Spirit. Then they lost to Gotham FC 0-1 and then beat Houston Dash 1-0.

A lot of slim losses and victories for the Courage, and their place in the standings reflect that I would say.

The Thorns Thus Far

The Thorns are undefeated this year after cinching a draw against Angel City in the most magnificent way. Bella Bixby was the hero of the night — scoring the tying goal in the 95th minute. In doing so she became just the second goalie to score in the NWSL.

Predicted Line-ups

NC Courage (4-3-3)

Casey Murphy in goal

Ryan Williams, Kaleigh Kurtz, Emily Fox, and Malia Berkely in the back

Denise O’Sullivan, Meredith Speck, and Narumi in the middle

Tyler Lussi, Rikke Madsen, and Kerolin Nicoli up front

Portland (4-3-3)

Bella Bixby in goal

Hubly, Kuikka, Menges, Klingenberg

Then in the midfield Dunn, Rocky, and Coffey

Finally, up front we’ve got Weaver, Smith, and Sinclair

The Portland Thorns before kickoff against Angel City FC. Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer / Thorns FC

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Don’t Forget This Moment!

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Score Predictions? Let us know in the comments!