A rare tie for the team tearing up the league, NC Courage at 19-4-1 were held scoreless by the first year team Utah Royals FC in SLC. The Courage were pressing throughout, but unable to get through for that elusive goal Friday evening, despite that, they are now another point closer to their goals of home field advantage throughout the playoffs and the Supporters Shield. Down by more than half a starting lineup (6) due to international call ups, they played as usual and had by far the better of play start to finish. The first half had the visitors getting off 8 shots while facing but one, their best chance coming from Abby Erceg at the 5' mark as she put a crossing ball from Debhina, heading it on frame halted by the diving save by Nicole Barnhart. Only an insipred job by the Royals' defense kept them even as they were pelted by shot after shot from the relentless attack of the Courage. The 2nd stanza picked up where the first left off, the 54' saw a blast from Kristen Hamilton forcing Barnhart into yet another critical save. Utah did get their chances with many corners and 4 shots in the 2nd half but none hit paydirt. The ending was yet another test for the home team as Lynn WIlliams led the attack with a 1 v 1 on goal, a last ditch effort by Rachel Corsie and her slide tackle showed the shot out over the endline. The corner was into the area, NC was unable to get off a clear shot and the Royals cleared it away for the last time of the match. All players on National Team Replacemant Contracts dressed for NC but none saw game time. The Royals have now accounted for the pair of shutouts of NC this year and their first scoreless draw since relocating from NY.
The Courage now go to Miami where they are in the first ever Women's International Champions Cup and they meet up with Paris Saitn Germain Thursday and hopefully the winner of Man. City & Olympique Lyonnais.