Two weeks into their existence and the North Carolina Courage have already made league history with a notable NWSL first. In addition to winning their first match in front of 6,298 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, the Courage once again showed their defensive grit to keep Portland Thorns FC off the scoreboard […]

Two weeks into their existence and the North Carolina Courage have already made league history with a notable NWSL first.In addition to winning their first match in front of 6,298 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, the Courage once again showed their defensive grit to keep Portland Thorns FC off the scoreboard and post their second shutout of the season. Elsewhere, Marta made her NWSL debut as the Orlando Pride rescued a draw in their home opener while 2017 No. 1 overall draft pick Rose Lavelle enjoyed a productive home debut as well with an assist to help the Boston Breakers to their first win of the season. See below for a complete breakdown of every club from the past weekend. * * *

1. North Carolina Courage

2-0-0, 6 pts Up: 1 Last week: 2 The Courage celebrated their first home game in style as Debinha notched her first NWSL goal and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo needed to make just one save to keep a clean sheet as North Carolina won 1-0 and became the first team in league history with shutouts in the first two games of a season. * * *

2. Seattle Reign FC

1-0-1, 4 pts
Up: 4
Last week: 6

The Reign turned in their biggest victory since Opening Day 2015 with a 5-1 thumping of Houston. Five different players scored for Seattle with Megan Rapinoe getting her second goal of the year and rookie Kristen McNabb recorded her first NWSL goal and assist. The Reign face another team that they’ve never lost against when they take on Boston in Week 3. * * *

3. Portland Thorns FC

1-1-0, 3 pts
Down: 2
Last week: 1

The Thorns tumbled two spots to No. 3 in the rankings after suffering a 1-0 road loss to North Carolina. Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch made three saves but could not keep out an 81st minute goal from Debinha. Portland returns home in Week 3 for a showdown with fellow 2016 playoff side Chicago. * * *

4. Chicago Red Stars

1-1-0, 3 pts
Up: 3
Last week: 7

Julie Ertz scored and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped all three shots she faced to pick up a shutout in a 1-0 victory for the Red Stars against FC Kansas City. The Red Stars are now 5-2-3 in their last 10 regular season matches going back to last season, but face a tough task with a Week 3 trip to Portland to take on the NWSL Shield holders. * * *

5. FC Kansas City

1-1-0, 3 pts
Down: 2
Last week: 3

Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart saved a second-half penalty from U.S. international Christen Press, but that would serve as the only highlight for FC Kansas City in a 1-0 road loss. Rookie left back Christina Gibbons turned in the most active performance of the week with 97 touches and 60 total passes as the Blues got a glimpse of what the No. 5 overall pick can provide. * * *

6. Boston Breakers

1-1-0, 3 pts
Up: 4
Last week: 10 Natasha Dowie scored on the first NWSL assist from Rose Lavelle as the Breakers look to leave last year in the past with a 1-0 home win over Sky Blue. It took Boston six games in 2016 to earn their first victory and they’ll look to double that total next week when they host Seattle. * * *

7. Houston Dash

1-1-0, 3 pts
Down: 3
Last week: 4

The Dash will have May 27 circled on their calendar as the next opportunity to get their first win in club history against Seattle after being on the wrong side of a 5-1 blowout against the Reign in Week 2.

---

8. Sky Blue FC

0-1-1, 1 pt
Down: 3
Last week: 5

Sky Blue suffered a 1-0 road loss to Boston as they started the year without a win through the first two games for the first time since 2014. Rookie goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan continued to impress with five saves against the Breakers. Sky Blue gets set for a Sunday showdown with FC Kansas City in Week 3.

---

9. Washington Spirit

0-1-1, 1 pt
—
Last week: 9

Denmark international Line Sigvardsen Jensen scored her first NWSL goal to help the Spirit earn a 1-1 road draw against Orlando. Washington, however, dropped points from a winning position after 85 minutes and will want to avoid a repeat performance going forward. * * *

10. Orlando Pride

0-1-1, 1 pt
—
Last week: 8

Marta made her NWSL debut and Danica Evans scored in the 86th minute to salvage a home draw for the Pride against Washington. Orlando led the league last year with three points recovered from losing positions at the 85-minute mark and secured their first such return this year, but the Pride still fall two spots after dropping points at home.