While the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs took a short break over the weekend, the North Carolina Courage stormed to another NWSL Championship on Sunday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. in a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. In the process, they made their case to be considered the league's first true dynasty.
Debinha opened the scoring after four minutes, and Jessica McDonald and Crystal Dunn added goals before halftime for the Courage, who have now won back-to-back NWSL Championships and three consecutive NWSL Shield's as the team with the league's best regular season record.
Samantha Mewis added insurance after halftime for the Courage, whose five major titles are the most in the league's seven-year history. Entering the season, North Carolina and the Portland Thorns held three each.
North Carolina veteran and longtime US women's national team contributor Heather O'Reilly was removed to a fitting ovation from the home crowd in the 89th minute, in her final professional game.
Goals
- 4' - NC - Debinha | WATCH
- 26' - NC - Jessica McDonald | WATCH
- 45'+5' - NC - Crystal Dunn
- 61' - NC - Samantha Mewis | WATCH
Lineups
- North Carolina Courage (4-4-2, right-to-left): Labee (GK); O'Reilly (Roccaro 89'), Dahlkemper, Erceg, Hinkle; Dunn (Zerboni 62'), Mewis, O'Sullivan, Debinha; McDonald (Hamilton 75'), Williams.
- Chicago Red Stars (4-2-3-1, right-to-left): Naeher (GK); Gorden, Naughton, Ertz, Short; Colaprico (Elby 84', Brian; McCaskill (Johnson 46'), DiBernardo (Stanton 75'), Nagasato; Kerr
