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The long wait is finally over and soccer is back (in the United States of America)! The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup kicks off at 12:30pm EST and it starts with the North Carolina Courage taking on Portland Thorns FC. These two teams are hardly the friendliest of rivals and with such a long lay off from when the last played each other, no one knows quite what to expect in the opening match.
The Courage have seemingly no injuries coming into today’s game and will likely be looking to make a statement early on. All the regular starters like Crystal Dunn, Lynn Williams, Abby Dahlkemper etc. should be making their debuts at the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. The only question mark right now is who will be playing at right back.
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Today’s match will be broadcast nationally on CBS, and streaming on CBS All Access and Twitch. If you can’t find a television, log on to CBS All Access (who have a one week free trial deal right now) and watch this team try to dominate the National Women’s Soccer League once again.
With a delayed start to the season, any pre-match predictions will be difficult to make, as will trying to guess what Paul Riley has decided to do with his team today. We want to hear back from you so feel free to drop by the comments section today.
NC Courage Starting XI:
[Starting XI] The lineup of the back-to-back defending NWSL Champions.#NoFinishLine pic.twitter.com/3WeYd6CnOJ
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) June 27, 2020
Portland Thorns Starting XI:
*drum roll*
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) June 27, 2020
Our first Starting XI of 2020. LFG! #NWSLChallengeCup | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/VnotROCeWW
75’ GOAL!
After a long, long wait, the Courage get the goal their first half play deserved. Substitute Hallie Mace delivers a great cross and Debinha nods it home at the near post. Good stuff by the Courage!
80’ The Thorns equalize through Simone Charley.
93’ GOAL!!!! Williams!
Lynn Williams, couldn’t do it for 90 minutes but in the 93rd minute, she gets her goal. Sam Mewis broke forward for the first time in the this game and played an inch perfect cross to Williams who nodded home from close range. Nice!
How to Watch:
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
Kickoff Time: Saturday, June 27; 12:30 PM EST
Available TV: CBS
Available Streaming: CBS All Access, Twitch
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