Let’s think back. The last time the North Carolina Courage hit the pitch in National Women’s Soccer League play they needlessly dropped three points on the road against Portland Thorns FC. After going up a goal, the Courage scored two own goals to give Portland the win. That was a tough game to watch, but at least it was on TV and not in person.
Then the Courage went on hiatus. They hosted a tournament with Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Olympique Lyonnais and came away second after an extremely hard-fought match against Lyon in the final.