As the NWSL season is coming to an end, two teams will go head-to-head for the NWSL Championship on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Cary, North Carolina, at WakeMed Soccer Park.
The North Carolina Courage defeated Reign FC 4-1 in extra time on Sunday to advance to the NWSL championship game with a chance to defend their title. Additionally, the Courage won the NWSL Shield for the third straight year with a league-best 15-5-4 record. The NWSL Championship is nothing new for the Courage, and manager Paul Riley said he believes they are ready to compete and win.
.@TheNCCourage's record-setting attack came to life in extra time as they advanced to a third-straight #NWSLChampionship.#NCvSEA | #NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/fuSEqIEDy9
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 20, 2019
On the other side of the pitch the Chicago Red Stars defeated the Portland Thorns 1-0, winning their first playoff game in the last four years to advance to their first NWSL final. Although they have not won an NWSL title, the Red Stars have the league’s Golden Boot winner Sam Kerr, who scored 18 goals in 21 matches to break her own league record for goals in a single season. Kerr is definitely a player to watch in the championship game.
Finishing second with 44 points and a 14-8-2 record, the Red Stars will look to take the title from the Courage.
The connection of @Yuki_Ogimi@samkerr1 picked up right where it left off from the regular season.
See how @chiredstarsPR took an early lead.1-0 | #CHIvPOR on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/bx8LsuPgZC
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 20, 2019
There will be several Women’s World Cup players in the NWSL final, such as Sam Kerr, Julie Ertz, Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Debinha and several more who will all appear to play on the biggest stage once again in hopes to be named a champion.
Will the NC Courage remain NWSL Champions or will the Chicago Red Stars prove that fifth times a charm?
Who will rise with the on the line?@TheNCCourage faces off with @chiredstarsPR on @espn in the #NWSLChampionship. pic.twitter.com/7CghZCl3p4
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 22, 2019
