LOS ANGELES — They scored early. They scored late. And that was enough for the North Carolina Courage to defeat Angel City FC 2-1 on Saturday.

During North Carolina’s previous two matches, also on the road, the Courage combined for 11 goals with their hosts. Unfortunately for the two-time NWSL champions, the Courage conceded eight times at San Diego and Washington D.C., losing twice ahead of the showdown with Angel City.

A stoppage-time goal by Courage midfielder Brianna Pinto at BMO Stadium capped a mad scramble in front of the Angel City goal that sealed the result.

North Carolina, trying to avoid a fate similar to its last two games, grabbed the lead 42 seconds after kickoff.

Before an announced crowd of 14,933 could settle in, the Courage pushed the ball down the left flank, where Angel City captain Sarah Gorden mistimed an interception attempt. That allowed Shinomi Koyama to feed fellow Japanese player Manaka Matsukubo, whose cross connected with a sliding Cortnee Vine at the 6-yard box for the Australian’s first goal of the year.

The goal did not rattle ACFC (4-5-3), playing its second match under head coach Alex Straus, who took over the position June 1 and earned a draw in his debut last week against Chicago.

Ten minutes later, Angel City sensation Riley Tiernan connected for her seventh goal in 12 appearances, tying her for the third-most scores by an NWSL rookie. Tiernan needs five goals over Angel City’s remaining 14 league games to break the rookie record of 11.

Her equalizing header at the far post against the Courage (4-5-3) came off a perfect delivery from Gisele Thompson, who worked a give-and-go to free up space down the right side prior to her fourth assist.