Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
Kickoff: 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: NWSL+, Paramount+, TSN+ (Canada)
Match Context
This is the 25th all-time meeting between two of the NWSL’s most storied franchises. The North Carolina Courage (5–6–4) are fighting to stay in playoff contention, while the Portland Thorns (7–4–4) sit just above them in the standings, aiming to solidify a top-six finish. With only a handful of matches left, this clash could be pivotal for postseason seeding.
Key Players to Watch
North Carolina Courage
Bianca St. Georges – Leads the league in goals per 90 minutes (1.55); clinical finisher whether starting or off the bench
Ashley Sanchez – Dynamic playmaker with elite vision and passing range
Casey Murphy – Veteran goalkeeper with a top-5 save percentage; 3 goals allowed in last 3 matches
Portland Thorns
Sophia Smith – Fresh off an MVP performance at the SheBelieves Cup; has scored or assisted in 4 of her last 6 vs. NC
Morgan Weaver – Scored the stoppage-time winner vs. Washington; thrives in late-match pressure situations
Sam Coffey – Midfield engine with high pass completion and defensive work rate
Head-to-Head History
| Date | Result | Location |
| Apr 11, 2024 | Portland 2–2 NC Courage | Raleigh |
| Aug 5, 2022 | 3–3 Draw | Portland |
| Aug 24, 2022 | NC Courage 4–0 Thorns | Cary |
Portland trails in the all-time series (9–11–4)
Last 5 meetings: 1 win each, 3 draws – 19 goals combined
Tactical Breakdown
North Carolina deploys a 4-3-3 under Sean Nahas, emphasizing wide play and quick transitions.
Portland counters with a fluid attacking trio led by Smith and Weaver, often switching between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3.
Expect a midfield duel between Coffey and Sanchez, with set pieces and late substitutions likely to influence the outcome.
MATCH ODDS
North Carolina Courage + 130 Draw + 220 Portland Thorns + 175
Over 2.5 – 115 Under 2.5 – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 15, 2025
