Lynn Williams scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time as the North Carolina Courage defeated the Portland Thorns, 2-1 in the opening match of the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup.
Debinha opened the scoring in the 75th minute, heading in a cross from substitute Hailie Mace, who checked into the game three minutes earlier after Ally Watt sustained an apparent knee injury.
Portland equalized five minutes later when Simone Charley tapped in a loose ball after a scramble in front of the net.
But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, the Courage once again found space down the the right flank. This time, it was Sam Mewis evading Becky Sauerbrunn to get off a cross to Williams for the header from close range.
.@lynnraenie sends @TheNCCourage into jubilation with a late goal!
2-1 | #NCvPOR | #NWSLChallengeCup
Tune in now on @CBS, @CBSAllAccess, and @Twitch. pic.twitter.com/igEA7ywkF2
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 27, 2020
Prior to the game, players wore Black Lives Matter t-shirts, and they wore armbands throughout the game with the same words on them. Almost every player on each team kneeled during the national anthem, and all players and coaches kneeled prior to kickoff during a moment of silence.
Further analysis to follow.
DISCUSS: What did you think of the game? Which player stood out?
