The North Carolina Courage have unfinished business heading into 2018 and will be looking to not only defend the shield they won last year but also conquer the NWSL playoffs where they fell just short.

That quest begins at home against Portland on March 24th in an immediate battle of heavyweights. Portland finished only two points behind the Courage in the shield race and were the team that cut short their playoff aspirations in the Final.

Seeing this matchup renew is the perfect theater to open a new season, and a win would be a great statement of intent for the new campaign.

The second matchup of the year will also be at home, against Sky Blue FC who will be trying to figure out what their team looks like in light of the departure of Sam Kerr, one of the best players on earth. The New Jersey outfit does boast legend Carli Lloyd, but to be fair, her reputation outpaces her ability at this point in her career. That should be a win for the Cary squad.

The first road test of the year will come against the Washington Spirit on April 14th. You can find the master schedule for NWSL here.

As of now, four games are scheduled to be shown on Lifetime, as well as a Fourth of July game against Chicago.

Key additions to this year’s courage roster include USWNT player Crystal Dunn and first round draft pick Frannie Crouse. Come out to Sahlen’s Stadium on March 24th to see them in action!