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Photo: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Since its inaugural season, there have been 30 opportunities to lift a trophy across all competitions in the National Women’s Soccer League. Two teams have secured nearly half of them: the North Carolina Courage and the Portland Thorns. Arguably the two most successful clubs in the league, the Courage and Thorns hold a combined five NWSL Championships, five NWSL Shields, three Challenge Cups, and one Fall Series title.
Given the rich history of success for both teams, it is not surprising that they have fostered an organic rivalry. In the 22 times the Thorns and Courage have played each other, North Carolina has won 10 times, while Portland has won seven. There have been five draws and 55 total goals in this series, with the Courage netting 35 of them.
All things considered, whenever the Thorns and Courage have taken the field, it has been a battle of two top clubs. However, that has not exactly been the case through the first three games of the 2025 season.
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