North Carolina Courage made it four wins from five NWSL matches as they ran out 5-0 winners over Orlando Pride at their home ground on 1 August. The result moved the hosts further clear of the relegation zone and extended their recent winning streak to two games.
Thompson opened the scoring in the fourth minute, a quick strike that set the tone for what followed. Ijeh then doubled the lead before half-time with two goals in quick succession, the first coming in the 26th minute and the second three minutes later. By then Orlando had already been reduced to defence, having lost their shape early.
Ijeh completed her hat-trick in the 70th minute and Sanchez added a fifth in stoppage time. The visitors could not respond, their only real threat coming from crosses that were cleared without trouble. The hosts camped in the final third for much of the second half.
Statistics tell part of the story. Both sides held 50 per cent possession, but North Carolina created five big chances while Orlando managed none. The visitors had more attacks overall but failed to convert any meaningful pressure into shots on target.
The result leaves North Carolina in third place with 39 points, nine ahead of Orlando in 11th. The hosts have not won since their last defeat but this performance suggests they are finding their rhythm at the right time.