NWSL North Carolina Courage

Courage Explode in Second Half for 6-0 Challenge Cup Victory

by Fran Stuchbury
Published on July 24, 2023 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage


North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Fran Stuchbury)

After a scoreless first half, the North Carolina Courage erupted with six goals in the second half for a 6-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in front of 4,063 fans at WakeMed Soccer Park Saturday night. The Courage became the first NWSL team to score six goals in one half in all competitions, and tied for the largest margin of victory in a shutout in league history.

North Carolina extended its unbeaten streak in the UKG Challenge Cup to 14 games. It was the first ever five-plus goal Challenge Cup game in league history.

"It's a good result for the group," said North Carolina Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas. "I thought we had a really good performance from start to finish, but first half I just thought we were a little bit too naive and a little bit trying to be too cute in the final third. Really good team performance tonight and one that we needed coming off the Angel City game which I thought we were really poor. Such a good response."

Forward Brittany Ratcliffe opened the scoring for the Courage in the 61st minute, assisted by Tyler Lussi.

"I think for me, the most exciting part of this game was obviously getting a win (and) performing well, but having six different people scoring goals," said Ratcliffe "I think that says a lot about our team and how it's not just one person carrying the team. It's everyone, midfielders and forwards defenders getting assists. It shows how much of a team we are on the field, and when six different people score we all celebrate exactly the same. That says a lot about the culture we have here."

The Courage added another goal four minutes later in the 65th minute by midfielder Frankie Tagliaferri.

"Obviously it was a great night", said Tagliaferri "This team trains really hard every single day and even coming off a break. We knew that this was a statement game. I think everyone rose to the occasion. Every player on the field, every player coming on, as game changers, everyone did a really good job. I'm really proud of how we responded especially after first half where we worked really hard. We just couldn't find the back of the net and then we rewarded ourselves second half."

On the fan support at the game Tagliaferri added, "It's awesome. We try to take pride in scoring goals and putting on a show and giving our fans something to cheer for. We appreciate every fan that comes out whether it's 100 fans or over 4,000 fans. We try to make it fun for them."

North Carolina extended its lead to 3-0 in the 70th minute on a score by forward Olivia Wingate who came off the bench in the 68th minute replacing Brittany Ratcliffe, assisted by Tess Boade. Wingate played at Notre Dame and was the sixth pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft by the Courage.

Two minutes later, forward Tess Boade added to the margin. She is a local player who played at Duke from 2017 till 2021.

North Carolina extended the score to 5-0 in the 80th minute on a goal by midfielder Brianna Pinto.

"I think it was just a great overall team performance," said Pinto. "The crowd was incredible, they really willed us through. We're hitting the second half of the season (and) we really want to hit our stride. I think it's a testament to all the work everybody's putting in this entire season. I think our coaching staff has prepared us very well. We're fit, we're working hard, and we're we've got our eyes set on each game."

Midfielder Narumi Miura finished the scoring for North Carolina in the 83rd minute. She was signed by the Courage in February.

North Carolina's next game is another Challenge Cup contest at home on Saturday against the Orlando Pride. The starting time at WakeMed Soccer Park is 7 pm.

Check out the North Carolina Courage Statistics

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Images from this story

North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
(Fran Stuchbury)		 North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
(Fran Stuchbury)		 North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
North Carolina Courage vs. the Washington Spirit
(Fran Stuchbury)



National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 24, 2023


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