The North Carolina Courage were trying to stay undefeated while Sky Blue FC were hoping to get their first win when the pair met at the weekend. Here are three takeaways from the 0-0 draw.

The North Carolina Courage and Sky Blue FC came into last weekend’s matchup on very different paths: The Courage trying to avoid their first loss; Sky Blue hoping to pick up their first win. But with both sides suffering from World Cup roster cuts earlier this week, anything was possible.

Sky Blue FC started off on the front foot, forcing Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé to make several saves early. But just like normal, the Courage attack came back with a chance of their own when Lynn Williams hit the post in the 20th minute only to have Brazilian midfielder Debinha hit the post again in the 34th minute.

The first half ended scoreless and, shortly into the second half, Mother Nature interfered and forced the sides into a weather delay. After play resumed, it took the teams some time to regain their footing. The match began to settle down and both teams sent numbers forward to try and grab all three points with Debinha attempting to chip Sky Blue keeper Kailen Sheridan, Merritt Matthias making the play of the game off the line to secure the match ended scoreless.

And with both sides taking a point, here are three takeaways from the Week 4 match-up.

3. Crosses, crosses, and more crosses for North Carolina

If there is one thing the North Carolina Courage do well, — and there is more than one — it is crossing the ball. The Courage started the match sending in 10 crosses in the first 30 minutes, generating their best chances from the wide positions. And with the talent on the wings for Paul Riley’s team, why wouldn’t you?

Want your voice heard? Join the MLS Multiplex team! Write for us!

The usual line-up of Crystal Dunn, Jaelene Hinkle, and Lynn Williams all on the left causes havoc for opposing defenses. The three players already have six goals and four assists. And even with Crystal Dunn out with the USWNT, Paul Riley kept with his strategy that has worked so well.

Although the Courage didn’t find the back of the net, there were more than enough quality chances for the defending champions. And it’s only with the help of the post that Sky Blue was able to leave North Carolina with a point. The Courage have found space out wide all season. It has worked wonders so far, scoring ten goals in the first three matches. And it worked again here, despite the scoreline.