Courage, Thorns face off again in quarterfinals

The North Carolina Courage (No. 1) plays the Portland Thorns (No. 8) Friday afternoon for its quarterfinal match, a repeat of the tournament’s opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET.

When the Courage and Thorns opened the NWSL Challenge Cup on June 27, North Carolina — the 3-time reigning NWSL shield-winners — came out with a 2-1 victory. The NWSL was the first professional sports league to return to play in the U.S., and the game was watched by a record number of viewers.

All three goals came in the second half, with Debhina finding the net first with a close-range header off a cross from rookie attacker Hailie Mace in the 75th minute. Portland’s Simone Charley responded with a left-footed goal five minutes later to even the score before Lynn Williams finally put the game away for North Carolina in the 94th minute.

Following the game, NC Courage coach Paul Riley said it was “an average performance” and noted the team’s attacking press and counter press being slightly off.

The Courage and Thorns had very different preliminary rounds following their initial matchup. While the Courage went on to win each of its games and didn’t allow another goal, the Thorns had tied all three of their games; two were scoreless.

Both teams played their final preliminary round games on Monday. North Carolina beat Sky Blue FC 2-0 behind goals from Sam Mewis and Crystal Dunn.

Jessica McDonald returned late in Monday’s game from a right thigh injury. She played 26 minutes, subbing in for Williams, and is one of North Carolina’s five USWNT players.

Fans will still only being able to watch quarterfinal and semifinal matches on CBS All Access, which offers a free 1-week trial and then costs $5.99 per month. The winner of North Carolina and Portland’s match will play the winner of Houston versus Utah.