Courage eliminate Pride from Challenge Cup playoffs with dominant win

The North Carolina Courage dominated Orlando 4-2 on Saturday, eliminating the Pride from semifinal contention in the Challenge Cup.

The East Division matchup got off to a lively start, with a dangerous cross from Merritt Mathias producing an Orlando Pride own goal in the third minute to give North Carolina the lead.

Hey, whatever works right? 🤙@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/8HrTKFaRQw

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

The Courage continued to cause problems on the right flank, doubling their lead in the sixth minute as Jaelene Daniels finished a well-placed ball from Taylor Smith.

THIS FINESSE GOAL - just *chefs kiss* @jaelenedaniels #ORLvNC pic.twitter.com/fRZn45IG1t

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

North Carolina kept the pressure on. In the ninth minute of the game, Smith beat the Pride keeper at the near post to give the Courage a 3-0 lead.

I mean really... can you dream of a better start for @TheNCCourage 🥵🥵🥵#ORLvNC pic.twitter.com/PI4diaUEx1

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

Orlando responded in the 15th minute, when Darian Jenkins fired a screamer from the top of the box to put the Pride on the board.

This is why you do not give up! Jenkins gives momentum to Orlando.@ORLPride | #PrideOfOrlando pic.twitter.com/QYDqZ1bxOw

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

After the break, Jenkins notched her second goal of the night, slotting in a redirected headed ball to bring the Pride within one.

NUMBER TWO FROM JENKINS! WE GOT A GAME! 😳@ORLPride | #PrideOfOrlando pic.twitter.com/6H5juD9x8P

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 17, 2022

The Courage put the game out of reach in the 89th minute, with Debinha turning on her defender before firing a low shot to seal the 4-2 win. The late finish was Debinha’s third goal in as many games.

I mean... her 😍@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/itQwfO3rGk

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 17, 2022

Saturday’s win extends North Carolina’s unbeaten streak to five games, propelling the Courage to the top of the East Division.