Two of the most talented teams in the National Women’s Soccer League were missing their biggest stars on Saturday in Cary, North Carolina, but in the night’s 1-1 draw, the dynamic that’s developed between the North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns FC was on full display. Particularly in the second half, the Courage’s overwhelming effort nearly the defined the game, while the Thorns earned their result by relying on moments of poise and execution.
“First half: controlled the game, had the best chances, denied them,” Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons listed off after the match, explaining, “you obviously have to put the game into two halves.