Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET
Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina
Broadcast: ION (national TV)
This is a compelling early‑season NWSL matchup featuring a red‑hot Portland side against a Courage team trying to stabilize after mixed early results.
Weather Outlook — Cary, NC
Forecast at kickoff: 73°F, winds 12 mph SW
Conditions are warm, breezy, and ideal for an up‑tempo match — a style both teams are capable of playing.
Injury Report
The retrieved sources did not list injuries for either team.
→ No verified injury information available.
Team Statistical Profile
Portland Thorns (3‑1‑0)
9 points, among the league’s early leaders
6 goals scored, 3 conceded (goal differential +3)
3 clean sheets (top‑tier defensive form)
Top scorers:
Olivia Moultrie — 2 goals
Reyna Turner — 2 goals
P. Tordin — 2 goals, 2 assists (team’s most productive attacker)
North Carolina Courage (1‑1‑1)
4 points, mid‑table
3 goals scored, 4 conceded (goal differential –1)
1 clean sheet
Top scorers:
Ashley Sanchez — 2 goals
Mina Matsukubo — 1 goal
Recent Team Form
Portland Thorns — Last 5 Matches
W 2–0 vs Kansas City (Mar 28)
L 1–3 vs San Diego (Mar 25)
W 2–0 vs OL Reign (Mar 20)
W 1–0 vs Washington (Mar 13)
L 0–2 vs Washington (Nov 15)
Summary: Portland has won 3 of their last 4, with three clean sheets in that span — one of the league’s strongest defensive runs.
North Carolina Courage — Last 5 Matches
L 1–3 vs Bay FC (Mar 28)
D 0–0 vs Gotham (Mar 21)
W 2–1 vs Racing Louisville (Mar 14)
W 3–2 vs Gotham (Nov 2)
W 4–1 vs Bay FC (Oct 17)
Summary: NC has been inconsistent — strong at home historically, but struggling to find attacking rhythm in 2026.
Key Player Matchups
Ashley Sanchez (NC) vs. Portland Midfield
Sanchez leads NC with 2 goals and is their most dynamic creator.
Portland’s midfield, anchored by Moultrie, must limit her ability to turn in tight spaces.
Olivia Moultrie (POR) vs. NC Defensive Block
Moultrie has 2 goals and 1 assist, and her long‑range shooting is a major threat.
NC has conceded 4 goals in 3 matches, showing vulnerability to midfield runners.
P. Tordin (POR) vs. Courage Fullbacks
Tordin leads Portland in combined goals + assists.
Her ability to stretch the field will test NC’s wide defenders.
Series History
Last five meetings:
Aug 16, 2025 — NC 1–1 POR
Mar 29, 2025 — POR 0–0 NC
Jun 8, 2024 — POR 1–0 NC
Apr 13, 2024 — NC 2–0 POR
Aug 20, 2023 — POR 2–1 NC
Summary:
Very tight rivalry: 2 wins each, 1 draw in last five.
Only one match in the last five had more than 2 goals — historically low‑scoring.
MATCH ODDS
Portland Thorns + 225
North Carolina Courage – 110
Draw + 255
Over 2.5 – 105 Under 2.5 – 145
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026
