(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)HERRIMAN, Utah Lynn Williams scored in stoppage time and the North Carolina Courage defeated the Portland Thorns 2-1 in the opening game of the National Women's Soccer League's Challenge Cup tournament on Saturday.
Williams scored the go-ahead goal on a header off a cross from Samantha Mewis.
The Courage are the NWSL's two-time defending champions and considered the favorites at the Challenge Cup.
In the previous meeting between the two teams last season, the Courage routed the Thorns 6-0, led by Williams with three goals.
It is our duty to demand that the liberties and freedoms this nation was founded upon are extended to everyone, the Thorns and Courage said in a joint statement released before the game.