This game of the week on opening day is of course shown on Lifetime at 3:30 p.m. the NWSL Shield winners take on the NWSL title winners at home. Courage coach and Long Island soccer great, Paul Riley commented on the rivalry, both tremendous ownership groups and that the fans will be treated to up to 18 international soccer players. This season will start off the same for both teams as last year also began with the same fixture with a 1-0 win by the hosts who then had a season for the record books, 16 wins 12 by shutout but in the end they were shutout by the Thorns 1-0 in the league final. Thus far only home openers have been announced with the rest of the season to follow on Tues. the 20th. NC is expected to begin pre season this Monday the 19th with the schedule for training to be out soon.