With a stellar record of 13-1-3 the Courage will be a tired pride as this is their 2nd game in 4 days, giving the NJ side some hope. This is one of 4 games played locally at the same time, for me horrible planning on the parts of at least 3 of the teams and as the Street Soccer USA event is going on at the crossroads of the world, Times Square, I understand Sunday is also bad, but not one afternoon game?
With the best record of last year, NC lead by Long Island Soccer legend, coach Paul Riely are in the midst of a 4 game winning streak with a 13-2 goal difference over that stretch. Debhina of Brazil has struck 3 times, another Long Islander, Crystal Dunn, joins teammates, Lynn WIlliams, Merritt Mathais & Jessica McDonald with a pair each during this run. Defeating former Sky Blue and the coach of my last team, Jim Gabarra and his Wasington Spirit at Wake Med Park, 2-0 Wed., Debhina and Williams linked up with WIlliams getting the assist. Jessica hit one into the upper 90 at the hour mark with the assist to Dunn. NC 'keeper, Katelyn Rowland had 4 saves getting her 3rd shutout.
The 13 wins go with 42 points as NC leads the NWSL with a comfortable lead over #2 Seattle of 13 points. The 37 goals approach their points total on the year. This is the 3rd meeting of the 2 teams both losses for Sky Blue. Their first meet up was a nail biter as McDonald netted the goal in the 90th minute. The rematch saw Carli Lloyd send home a free kick in the last second of stoppage time but it was not to change the result. Sky Blue dropped their last match to Chicago with Imani Dorsey getting her first NWSL goal in a 3-1 loss.