North Carolina Courage 3-0 Portland Thorns
Ireland international Denise O’Sullivan helped North Carolina Courage to victory in the National Women’s Soccer League [NWSL] Championship decider, beating Portland Thorns 3-0 at Providence Park.
The final was played at the home of the Thorns and despite the vociferous atmosphere at the sold-out arena, it was the visitors who took the title with a comprehensive win.
Sitting in the holding midfield position, O’Sullivan provided excellent cover throughout as her side attacked relentlessly in this season-ending encounter.
Courage’s early pressure reaped dividends as early as the 13th minute, when they took the lead thanks to Debinha’s close-range header, following Lynn Williams’ well-struck effort on goal.
[RECAP] HISTORY! NC Courage Claim NWSL Championship with 3-0 Win Over Portland
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) September 22, 2018
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Read | https://t.co/sjkJ1YWNMU pic.twitter.com/dJON0JX3Mg
O’Sullivan had a chance to double her side’s advantage in the 32nd minute, however, her low shot was well stopped by the Thorn’s keeper.
But the North Carolina side extended their advantage five minutes before half-time as Jessica McDonald headed home, getting on the end of Jaelene Hinkle’s set-piece delivery.
The Courage survived an early onslaught from the home side after the re-start with an extensive spell of pressure in and around the visitors’ penalty box.
But the third goal arrived in the 64th minute, which effectively killed off the contest, as striker McDonald headed home her second of the game.
Another clever set-piece from Courage saw the ball played short from a corner before Merritt Mathias whipped in a stinging ball from the right, which McDonald dispatched.
The final 25 minutes proved no more than a procession as the Courage became the first side to win both the Shield and the NWSL Championship in the same season.
Confetti confetti confetti 🎉 #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/zEOZ53JkWO
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) September 22, 2018
