Both the North Carolina Courage and the Orlando Pride needed a win in this Week 8 matchup, but it would be the defending champions who took all three points on the road thanks to Kristen Hamilton’s first NWSL hat -trick to get the Courage’s first win in four matches.
The match began with North Carolina on the front foot, Hamilton coming close to opening the goal scoring in the sixth minute but missing just high. After the early chance, Paul Riley’s team continued to create chances with McCall Zebroni forcing an Orlando save in the 32nd minute.