North Carolina Courage Vs Sky Blue: 3 things we learned – Courage remain perfect

The North Carolina Courage defeated Sky Blue FC 2-0 to stay perfect in the preliminary round. Here are three things we learned from the match.

The North Carolina Courage ended the preliminary round undefeated by overcoming Sky Blue FC in a 2-0 victory in the final match before the knockout stages of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

The two-time defending champions got on the scoresheet early when Sam Mewis scored her first goal of the tournament in the seventh minute. Sky Blue were able to limit the damage well and got out of the first half only down a goal, but North Carolina came out in the second half on the front foot and doubled their lead in 56th minute when Crystal Dunn received a pass from Lynn Williams and slipped a finish past Gina Lewandowski.

Here are three things we learned.

3. Sky Blue’s full-backs are key

Surprisingly, Margaret ‘Midge’ Purce was not in the starting XI. It came as an even bigger shock that she was not available for selection after being listed in the 18. Purce — to the unrest of some — has lined up as a full-back in Sky Blue’s previous two games instead of a more natural attacking role.

And, in this game, Sky Blue’s wide defenders played well and were key to keeping the game as close as it was in avoiding a Courage blowout. Imani Dorsey and Sabrina Flores occupied the full-back roles in Sky Blue’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Paul Riley’s 4-4-2 box allows his full-backs to push high up the pitch and deliver from wide areas.

On this occasion, Sky Blue took a page out of Carolina’s book and got high up the field. Their full-backs pushed high up the pitch when in possession, while remaining disciplined defensively to hold the Courage at bay. Sky Blue won’t be satisfied with a 2-0 loss, of course, but it was a game to grow on into the next rounds.