Debinha’s hat trick keeps North Carolina’s postseason hopes alive

Debinha put on a show Saturday night, logging a hat trick to lift the North Carolina Courage to an emphatic 3-0 over Gotham FC.

The Brazilian star opened up scoring in the 27th minute, running onto a perfectly weighted ball from Carson Pickett before faking out Michelle Betos and slotting home the go-ahead finish.

Debinha gets her goal!

She rounds the keeper and calmly finishes for 10th of the season. 💫 pic.twitter.com/EthW8Jm3mj

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) September 24, 2022

Keeping her foot on the gas, Debinha added to her tally in the 34th minute, volleying a lofted cross past the Gotham FC keeper to put North Carolina up 2-0 heading into the break.

.@Debinha7 things. pic.twitter.com/bOEL9xV3OR

— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) September 25, 2022

Debinha completed her hat trick with another quality finish in the 81st minute, chipping a shot over Betos after finding plenty of time and space on the right flank.

IT'S THE DEBINHA SHOW!

SHE HAS HER HAT-TRICK. 💥 pic.twitter.com/ZeGH28thDf

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) September 25, 2022

The 30-year-old’s prolific outing earned the praise of Coach Sean Nahas, who said Debinha is on a “different level.”

“Not sure there is a better player in the world right now,” Nahas said in a Twitter post after Saturday’s game.

Debinha now has 12 goals on the season, tied with Portland’s Sophia Smith for second in the Golden Boot race behind Alex Morgan, who leads the league with 15 goals.

The Courage’s shutout caps off an impressive run with four wins in the club’s last five games. North Carolina’s late-season stand has lifted the club to sixth in the NWSL standings, just above the playoff contention line.

North Carolina will end their season with a trip to San Diego on Sept. 30 to take on the Wave with a place in the playoffs in play.