Venue & Match Details
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, North Carolina
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. MT
Broadcast: ION; Radio: KSL Sports Radio (Utah market)
Weather Forecast (Cary, NC – Kickoff)
Conditions: Clear skies, mild evening
Temperature: ~74°F (23°C)
Wind: Light NE at 3–5 mph
Precipitation: <5%
Impact: Ideal playing conditions
Injury Report
North Carolina Courage
No major new injuries reported; squad at near full strength after recent international break.
Utah Royals FC
Paige Monaghan (returned last match from long-term injury) — expected to feature
No additional absences reported; Mandy McGlynn in goal after standout 11-save performance vs. Portland.
Recent Form
North Carolina Courage – Last 5: L‑D‑D‑L‑D
Most recent: 0‑2 loss at Kansas City
Winless in last 5; 4 goals scored, 8 conceded in that span
Utah Royals – Last 5: W‑D‑L‑D‑D
Most recent: 2‑1 win at Portland (first away win of season)
6 goals scored, 7 conceded in last 5
Key Player Matchups
Manaka Matsukubo (NC) vs. Mandy McGlynn (UTA)
Matsukubo leads Courage in goals (5); McGlynn coming off career-best save tally.
Ashley Sanchez (NC) vs. Utah Backline
Scored in last meeting (May 3, 2025).
KK Ream (UTA) vs. NC Defense
Youngest NWSL scorer ever; netted game-winner vs. Portland.
Series History
All-Time: NC leads 4W‑3D‑2L
2025 Meetings:
May 3: NC 2‑0 @ Utah
2024 Meetings: Split 1‑1 (each team won at home)
Betting Trends
NC Courage: 63% of home matches BTTS; 50% Over 2.5 goals at home
Utah Royals: 60% of away matches BTTS; 67% Under 2.5 goals overall
Head-to-Head: UNDER in 4 of last 6 meetings
Match Outlook
North Carolina will look to snap a five-match winless run against a Utah side buoyed by their first road win of the season. Expect the Courage to control possession and create chances through Matsukubo and Sanchez, while Utah will rely on counterattacks and McGlynn’s shot-stopping to keep it close. Low-scoring, tactical play is likely — with the home side holding the edge.
MATCH ODDS
North Carolina Courage – 140 Draw + 270 Utah Royals FC + 380
Over 2.5 + 105 Under 2.5 – 125
NWSL Match Preview: North Carolina Courage (5-7-6) vs. Utah Royals FC (2-11-5)Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
