Utah Royals FC vs North Carolina Courage: Expected Lineups, Injury Updates, Predictions, Streaming Info & How to Watch Lindsey Vonn’s NWSL Side in Action

As the weekend unfolds, NWSL action takes center stage once again. With Matchday 2 on the horizon, some interesting fixtures are lined up, including the showdown between Utah Royals FC and North Carolina Courage. The Lindsey Vonn-owned club will host the Cary-based team at America First Field on March 22 at 9:30 p.m. ET or 6:30 pm PT, aiming to secure their first points of the season. On the other hand, the Courage will look to extend their winning streak after a triumphant season opener.

Utah Royals FC vs North Carolina Courage: Preview

The hosts are coming into this fixture with a 0-2 loss against the Chicago Red Stars because of the second-half goals from Allyson Schlegel and Ava Cook. As a result of that, the Royals are sitting in 13th place with nil points in their hands. The Amy Rodriguez-led side will look to bounce back. 

On the other hand, NCC is coming off an emphatic 5-1 victory at home. A penalty from Malia Berkley, second-half goals from Haley Hopkins, a brace from Bianca St-Georges, and an injury-time goal from Dani Weatherholt helped Sean Nahas’ side take the top spot at the table. 

Speaking of head-to-head, during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Courage experienced just one defeat in their six encounters with the earlier Utah Royals franchise, securing two victories and three draws. Utah’s only triumph came in a 1-0 away win in 2018. Meanwhile, NCC remained unbeaten in their three visits to Utah, claiming two wins and one draw, including victories in both matches during the 2019 season.

Utah Royals FC vs North Carolina Courage: Injury updates

The Utah Royals only have two absentees for the upcoming clash. Zoe Burns is currently nursing her hip injury and Cristina Roque is out with a hand injury. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Courage won’t be able to field Julia Dorsey, Olivia Wingate, Kerolin Nicoli, and Meredith Speck, who are all out with knee injuries. Sydney Collins misses this one because of a knock on her ankle, with Clara Schilke nursing her lower leg. Lastly, Estelle Johnson is currently on maternity leave.

Utah Royals FC vs North Carolina Courage: Expected line-ups 

Utah Royals FC predicted lineup

(4-1-4-1): Nelson; Dorsey, Del Fava, Riehl, Pogarch; Nyberg; Monaghan, Foederer, Tagliaferri, Sentnor; Onumonu

READ MORE: From Simone Charley to Jun Endo: Players Whose NWSL 2024 Season Has Already Ended Due to Injury

North Carolina Courage predicted lineup

(4-3-3): Murphy; Williams, Kurtz, Berkely, Rauch; Miura, O’Sullivan, Jackson; Sanchez, Hopkins, Lussi

Utah Royals FC vs North Carolina Courage: Prediction

It’s no secret that both sides will be looking to steal the important three points. However, given their recent form, we reckon that this match won’t let the home side break their points deadlock. We predict the scoreline to be Utah Royals 1-2 North Carolina Courage.  

How to watch Utah Royals FC vs. North Carolina Courage? 

Fans can catch the live action between Utah Royals FC and North Carolina Courage on NWSL+.

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