CARY, N.C. – Playing their first road match of the 2017 season, Portland Thorns FC conceded a late goal to the North Carolina Courage, falling 1-0 in front of 6,298 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium on Saturday night.
Late in the second half, goalkeeper Adrianna Franch kept the match scoreless, diving to her left to save a penalty-kick attempt by North Carolina midfielder Sam Mewis, but just over five minutes later, Courage midfielder Debinha delivered a snap header from close range off a cross from Jessica McDonald to put North Carolina in front 1-0 in the 81st minute.