World Cup: A North Carolina Courage group stage update

REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Samantha Mewis of USA celebrates scoring their 4th goal with Megan Rapinoe during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images) /

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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 16: Abby Dahlkemper of USA in action during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France group F match between USA and Chile at Parc des Princes on June 16, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Abby Dahlkemper

Abby Dahlkemper opened her 2019 World Cup campaign with probably the easiest match she could’ve wanted. A 13-0 thrashing of Thailand focuses all the attention on the forwards and midfielders, making Dahlkemper and the backline’s life rather comfortable.

The next group stage game against Chile gave a little more challenge, as expected, but still, it was an easy path for the American defense in a 3-0 victory. With Dahlkemper starting the first two games of the tournament, she is one of the most consistent faces in defense as the champions prepared for their biggest test yet against Sweden.

Dahlkemper and the backline turned in another shutout performance against Sweden, although they were under more pressure than in previous matches. Dahlkemper stayed in sync with fellow center-back Becky Sauerbrunn to give Alyssa Naeher the best chances to make saves when needed.

Dahlkemper and the United States continue their run to repeat as champions when they face off against Spain in the knockout round.

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