An 81st-minute goal by Brazilian midfielder Debinha gave the North Carolina Courage a 1-0 win over the Portland Thorns in their National Women’s Soccer League home opener.
The Courage were formerly the Western New York Flash, which beat the Thorns in last year’s NWSL semifinals.
Portland (1-1-0) had just three shots on goal to 14 for North Carolina.
Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch saved a penalty kick in the 76th minute to keep the match scoreless.
