In this compelling match, the North Carolina Courage (Wom) squared off against the Portland Thorns (Wom) in a showdown filled with the excitement and strategic moves. With the Portland Thorns emerging victorious with a nail-biting 1-0 win, several key data points shed light on this game's dynamics.

Firstly, the solitary goal of the match came late in the second half at 01:19:05 through the home team, demonstrating the Thorns' ability to persevere despite the late hours of the game. This could also suggest that the Courage's defense may have faltered later in the match, giving the Thorns the opportunity to strike.

Delving further into disciplinary actions, it is revealing to note that the Courage received two yellow cards, one each half at 00:26:37 and 01:05:51 respectively, while the Thorns only accrued a single yellow card late in the second half at 01:28:57. Here, the Courage's more aggressive playstyle, possibly due to frustrations born from being behind in the game, may have cost them an additional player due to accumulated fouls, reducing their on-field effectiveness.

In terms of set-play scenarios, the Courage mustered up 7 corner kicks against the Thorns' 5, which could indicate a more dominating field presence. However, the Thorns' defense successfully neutralized these threats, crediting their robust defense line. The inability of the Courage to convert these opportunities clearly impacted the match's outcome.

Interestingly, the Courage also received one red card, a factor that significantly might have affected the game's dynamics. Operating with one player less definitely can put a team at a strategic and physical disadvantage, and in this case, it might have eroded the Courage's capability to mount an effective offensive comeback.

Overall, the match was undoubtedly shaped by the discipline of the teams and the Thorns' solid defensive formations that stood firm against the Courage's corner kicks. The Thorns' ability to capitalize on multiple fronts and stay composed throughout the game clinched the victory for them. Conversely, the Courage's higher foul count and the critical red card might have played an elemental role in their defeat. In the end, this game showcased the critical role disciplinary actions and efficient defense play in determining the outcome of a closely contested match.

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