Key Transactions
Since the last time these two sides have faced off, the Courage have signed French forward Valérie Gauvin from Everton FC to a one-year contract. A regular for the French National Team, Gauvin has scored 7 goals in 37 appearances for Les Bleues and represented her home country at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring one goal in the tournament. Brazilian Karolin has also officially joined the team, earning her debut in the Courage’s last match against Gotham FC.Â
Recent FormÂ
After starting the Challenge Cup with a pair of victories, the Courage have drawn their last two contests, most recently playing to a 1-1 draw with Gotham FC prior to the international break. The Courage currently sit atop the East Division in the standings, two points ahead of Washington with eight through four matches.Â
Who’s Hot
Debinha leads the Courage attack with a pair of goals in the Challenge Cup, followed by Abby Erceg, Brianna Pinto, Merritt Mathias, and Taylor Smith each with one apiece. Former Pride defender Carson Pickett leads the side in assists, with two to her credit. Â
Head-to-Head
The Courage took the last meeting of the Challenge Cup between the two sides on March 26, with Merritt Mathias converting from the penalty spot to give the home side a 1-0 victory. The Pride split the series with the Courage a year ago, going 1-1-2 across all competitions against Saturday’s opposition.
Rasmussen Fun FactÂ
North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland was a four-year standout under Amanda Cromwell and assistant Sam Greene at UCLA, helping lead the side to the 2013 NCAA Championship. During her time in LA, Rowland set NCAA records for career shutouts (55) and single-season shutouts (19).
