It has been less than a year since the North Carolina Courage were beaten 1-0 in the 2017 NWSL Championship Game by Portland Thorns FC. In the National Women’s Soccer League’s first five seasons the regular season champion has been unable to come away with the championship trophy, but the Courage are ready to give it another shot.
On Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET, the Portland Thorns will host the North Carolina Courage in the championship match. If that sounds awkward to you, it is. After breaking six different records on their way to a second regular season title, the Courage will have to play both of their playoff games in the least-hospitable stadium in the league.