- OL Reign has won three of its last five matches
- North Carolina Courage is 2-1-2 in its last five matches
- North Carolina Courage is 4-1-0 in its last five matches against OL Reign
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Matchday 9 begins on Friday, July 1, with a trio of matches, including the OL Reign (3-4-2) hosting the last place North Carolina Courage (2-1-4).
The Reign, coming off a 1-0 victory over Angel City FC, hasn’t scored more than one goal in either of its last five matches, whereas the Courage has scored nine goals over its last three matches. That marked a substantial scoring outburst for the Courage, which had only three goals in its first four matches.
While these teams are separated by six spots in the standings, it’s worth noting North Carolina has played two fewer games and is only six points back of OL Reign. A road victory for North Carolina Friday would make them among the women soccer picks to make the playoffs. North Carolina has also been very impressive on the road this season.
OL Reign vs. North Carolina Courage Odds
The OL Reign are the +115 home favorites in this match, where it seems like anything is possible considering the betting odds. A $100 bet on the Reign, if successful, would pay out $215 total.
Women soccer odds have the over/under 2.5 at -110 for both.
OL Reigns vs. North Carolina Courage Information
Competition: NWSL Regular Season
Location: Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington
Time: Friday, July 1, 10:00 PM EST
How to watch: Twitch, Paramount+
OL Reigns Looking for First Win over North Carolina since 2019
OL Reigns has clearly been the better side this season, although it has played two more matches than North Carolina. However, the latter club has been much more successful in their recent matches.
The Courage defeated OL Reign 2-1 the last time the two teams met in June 2021. The two teams played to a scoreless draw the prior month, and North Carolina Courage won the previous three matches by a combined score of 7-1, so they have to be feeling like the women soccer league odds favorite to win.
OL Reign has continued to bolster its lineup in June with a series of acquisitions, including Tobin Heath, who practiced with the club for the first time on Monday. Women soccer league predictions suggest she isn’t ready to play Friday night, however.
Jessica Fishlock, who has one goal through eight matches, was recently named an ESPYS finalist for Best NWSL Player. Bethany Balcer and Rose Lavelle lead the Reign with two goals.
OL Reign Projected Lineup
- GK Phallon Tullis-Joyce
- D Samantha Hiatt
- D Alana Cook
- D Lauren Barnes
- D Sofia Huerta
- M Jessica Fishlock
- M Angelina
- M Quinn
- F Bethany Balcer
- F Megan Rapinoe
- F Veronica Latsko
OL Reign Injuries
- F Tobin Heath
- M Kim Little
North Carolina Courage’s High-Powered Offense
Although the team is in last place, the North Carolina Courage is hardly worthy of that distinction. It has played two fewer matches than most teams and, despite that, has the fifth-most goals in the league.
Debhina and Diana Ordoñez lead the team with three goals each. Kaleigh Kurtz has two goals, while Denise O’Sullivan, Brianna Pinto, Abby Erceg, and Kerolin Nicol have all contributed goals. Emily Gray leads the team with a pair of assists.
North Carolina has also fared well on the road recently, winning its last two matches at Washington and Louisville by a combined score of 6-2. They are actually winless at home this season.
North Carolina Courage Projected Lineup
- GK Casey Murphy
- D Abby Erceg
- D Kaleigh Kurtz
- D Carson Pickett
- D Merritt Mathias
- M Debinha
- M Denise O’Sullivan
- M Malia Berkely
- F Diana Ordoñez
- F Kerolin Nicoli
- F Brianna Pinto
North Carolina Courage Injuries
None
OL Reign vs. North Carolina Courage Pick and Prediction
OL Reign has won three straight and are unbeaten in its last five matches at home. The home crowd in Seattle is one of the best in the league, and it’s no surprise the Reign are as good as they have been at home this season.
The Reign’s defense has also been one of the best this season, as it has only allowed a league-best six goals through nine matches. North Carolina, meanwhile, has surrendered 12 goals through seven matches.
It’ll be an exciting battle of offense and defense on Friday night, but expect the Reign to prevail and get its first victory over North Carolina since 2019.
Pick: OL Reign to win.
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