The North Carolina Courage kept pace with the league-leading Portland Thorns on Saturday after recording an impressive 2-1 road victory over the Utah Royals at Rio Tinto Stadium.
An announced crowd of 10,545 was on its feet in the 13th minute following a sensational opener from World Cup-winner Christen Press. The 30-year-old attacker now has two goals in two games since returning from France, including a strike last week that was voted the NWSL’s Goal of the Week.
This one’s just as good, if not better.
.@ChristenPress with a to open the scoring in the 13th minute at the RioT.
1-0 | #UTAvNC on ESPNews pic.twitter.com/Be2fR1XtpH— NWSL (@NWSL) July 28, 2019
However, North Carolina would equalize in the 35th minute through Kristen Hamilton, and this finish earned SportsCenter Top 10 honors on the night. Hamilton controlled a difficult entry pass with her chest before turning and firing home an exceptional half-volley to even the score.
Press with a great goal on one end, @khamilton17 answers at the other with a stunner of her own.
1-1 | #UTAvNC on ESPNews pic.twitter.com/CYcPuMA8YV— NWSL (@NWSL) July 28, 2019
In the 54th minute, the Courage scored the match-winner after a defensive lapse from Utah. It was another World Cup-winner with the goal, striker Jessica McDonald.
Here's how @TheNCCourage took the lead through @J_Mac1422's finish.
1-2 | #UTAvNC on ESPNews pic.twitter.com/henih4K2rr— NWSL (@NWSL) July 28, 2019
NWSL play continues today with matchups between the Seattle Reign and Chicago Red Stars, as well as Houston Dash versus Sky Blue FC.