Merritt Mathias strikes PK banger in Courage win

The North Carolina Courage downed the Orlando Pride 1-0 in front of a home crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday night, earning three points in the Challenge Cup standings.

The hosts out-possessed and outshot the Pride but were unable to convert in the final third, leaving the game level through the opening 45 minutes.

In the 61^st minute, the gridlock was finally broken after North Carolina was awarded a penalty kick following a handball from Gunny Jónsdóttir. Merritt Mathias lined up from the spot, striking a gutsy penalty to secure the 1-0 lead.

.@MerrittMathias on the mark 🎯@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/9qvhW67ym1

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 27, 2022

The 1-0 scoreline held until the final whistle, marking the Courage’s second-straight victory.

North Carolina now sits atop the East Division, four points clear of the Washington Spirit.