It was always going to be a challenge for coach Marc Skinner and the Orlando Pride heading into their matchup against North Carolina Courage.
Orlando was playing its third game in eight days against the top team in the NWSL and without its top players Marta and Alex Morgan.
It didn’t take long for North Carolina (12-4-4, 40 points) to impose its will.
Propelled by three first-half goals and three second-half goals, the Courage defeated the Pride 6-1 on Saturday in North Carolina.
The loss continues the Pride’s season-long tailspin. Orlando has now lost four consecutive games.