CARY, N.C. — North Carolina scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute, and the defending National Women’s Soccer League champion Portland Thorns fell 1-0 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
Midfielder Debinha notched the game-winning goal in front of 4,210 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Receiving a pass near the edge of the box from midfielder Denise O’Sullivan, Debinha delivered a powerful strike into the top, right corner of the goal.
Portland goalkeeper Adrianna Franch made a critical stop near the end of the opening 45 minutes to keep the match scoreless.
