Women’s International Champions Cup: Semi-final match thread

The North Carolina Courage will defend their 2018 Women’s International Champions Cup victory taking on Manchester City tonight. Before that, Lyon takes on Atletico Madrid to start off the double header.

Lyon are of course juggernauts of European women’s soccer and might have something of a point to prove after losing last year to the NC Courage in the final. Wendie Renard and Lucy Bronze will also have motivation as they will see some familiar US Women’s National Team players on the Courage roster should the teams meet again. Before that though, they’ll have to overcome Atletico Madrid to get there. Atletico are Primera Division champs and feature Andrea Falcon of the Spain National Team as well as an exciting attacking midfielder in Amanda Sampedro.

In game no. 2, the Courage will host Manchester City and the big questions about the tournament will be answered - mainly, “how much does the team value winning a mid-season tournament when it is two points out of first, and four points away from missing the playoffs?” It seems like the NWSL is giving the team every chance to win the tournament as there is a bye week in the league for NCC this weekend followed by a full week of rest before resuming regular play. If Paul Riley decides to rotate, he’ll have the benefit of facing a Manchester City team still in pre-season, though Janine Backe and Keira Walsh are two of the best in the sport.

How to watch

Atletico Madrid vs. Olympique Lyonnais

Shalen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

5:00PM

Streaming on ESPN+

NC Courage vs. Manchester City

Shalen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

7:30 PM

Streaming on ESPN+

This will be your match thread - enjoy the games!