HERRIMAN, Utah. – In the first match of the NWSL Challenge Cup, Portland Thorns FC fell to the North Carolina Courage, 2-1, at Zions Bank Stadium. All three goals came in the final 15 minutes with substitute Simone Charley scoring the goal for the Thorns while Debinha and Lynn Williams tallied for the Courage.
The goal was the first goal scored by Charley as a member of Thorns FC while goalkeeper Bella Bixby made four saves in her NWSL debut. Portland fired 10 shots in the match with eight of those coming in the second half.
Match Moments
4' - SAVE (POR) - Early on in the match, goalkeeper Bella Bixby came up big as a deflected Lynn Williams cross headed towards the net.