North Carolina Continues Unbeaten Steak
The fourth week of the 2018 season concludes as North Carolina Courage remains the lone undefeated NWSL club. The Red Stars and the Courage both recorded a win and draw during Week 4, while the Orlando Pride collected its first three points of the campaign versus Houston.
NWSL Soccer News: The fourth week of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season comes to a close with North Carolina Courage remaining atop the table. 
The North Carolina Courage defeated the Seattle Reign FC, 1-0, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park during a midweek matchup to kick off Week 4. Jessica McDonald recorded the game-winner for the Courage in the 70th minute off an assist from Kristen Hamilton. The Chicago Red Stars cruised past the Houston Dash, 3-0, in the second midweek matchup at Toyota Park. An own goal put the Red Stars on the scoreboard in the 7th minute of the match with Lauren Kaskie extending the lead four minutes later. Sofia Huerta put the match out of reach in the 74th minute to claim three points for the hosts.
Portland Thorns FC and the Washington Spirit played out a 1-1 draw at Providence Park in Oregon to kick off the weekend fixtures on Friday night. Francisca Ordega put the Spirit on the board in the 37th minute after finishing an uncleared ball off the goal line. In the first stoppage time minute of the half, Ifeoma Onumonu was taken down in the box after turning her defender with quick skill. Christine Sinclair calmly leveled the match for the hosts.
Portland sits in third place (2/W-1/L-1/T), while Washington is tied for fifth (1-2-1).
The North Carolina Courage and Utah Royals FC played out a 2-2 draw at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Merritt Mathias and Crystal Dunn tallied goals for the Courage as the hosts remain undefeated in 2018. Katie Stengel and Brittany Ratcliffe were the goalscorers for the first-year club.
The North Carolina claim the top spot (4-0-1), while Utah Royals FC has yet to record a win (0-1-3).
The Chicago Red Stars hosted its second match of the week at Toyota Park versus Sky Blue FC, which concluded a 1-1 draw. Huerta found the back of the net for the second time this week during the opening minute from outside the corner of the penalty area. Savannah McCaskill brought the match level in the 78th off a deflected shot from 20 yards out.
The Red Stars are in second place (2-1-2), and Sky Blue FC has yet to record a victory (0-2-1).
In the final match of the weekend, the Orlando Pride recorded three points with a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash. Chioma Ubogagu notched the game-winner in the 65th minute for the Pride with Christine Nairn recording the assist. Nairn’s freekick struck into the penalty area connected with the head of Ubogagu to give the hosts the advantage. Orlando maintained 57.7% possession to claim its first win of the 2018 campaign.
Orlando is tied for fifth place (1-2-1), while the Dash has yet to record a win (0-2-2).
Photo Credit: ISI Photos
