Jess McDonald, Sam Mewis lift North Carolina over OL Reign

Paul Riley is now the winningest coach in NWSL history.

North Carolina’s 2-1 victory on Saturday secured Riley his 75th win, a new league record.

Today's @TheNCCourage victory was Paul Riley's 7️⃣5️⃣th in his #NWSL career - a new record 📶

Congrats, coach! 🎊#NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/ooqWltIgkJ

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 19, 2021

The Courage dominated the first half, controlling much of the midfield and deploying a persistent attack.

The first goal of the game, however, didn’t come until the 45^th minute. Merrit Mathias, striding down the flank, curled a lofted ball into the box, finding Jessica McDonald, who buried a header past Sarah Bouhaddi to make it 1-0 before the half.

💥 @J_Mac1422 heads it home 💥#NCvRGN | https://t.co/vmDqcK3jfH | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/YNuUxRzhei

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 19, 2021

The Courage struck again in the 77^th minute off a clever combination between second-half substitute Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams. Mewis, gathering the ball at the top of the box, pushed the ball wide for Williams, who then found Mewis again at the near post for the goal. The give-and-go doubled North Carolina’s lead and also made Williams the all-time NWSL assist leader with 26 contributions.

The Tower of Power strikes again ⚡️#NCvRGN | https://t.co/vmDqcK3jfH | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/sr5zEKTTIb

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 19, 2021

OL Reign kept things interesting down the stretch, answering with a goal of their own in the 86^th minute. Jess Fishlock broke up a Courage build-up play in their own half to chip goalkeeper Casey Murphy, cutting North Carolina’s lead in half.

Jess goes fishing, and catches a big one 🎣#NCvRGN | https://t.co/vmDqcK3jfH | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/r2RU9zI4iG

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 19, 2021

The Courage ultimately held off OL Reign’s late push, walking away with a 2-1 win and three points in the standings.