The Thorns, over the course of the season, have transformed themselves into a team capable of hanging with the best. Will it be enough against a North Carolina Courage side that have broken the record for points per game in professional women’s soccer history? It all comes down to 90 minutes or more.
The Courage looked poor against the Chicago Red Stars but still ground out a victory. They’re playing on short rest, but the athleticism and endurance of this Courage team is legendary, and it may not even matter. The Thorns, meanwhile, are loose and ready to show their ability: they have a whole host of players who have done their jobs this season but not shown the world what they’re truly capable of.