Courage Open Challenge Cup Play with a Victory
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on March 20, 2022 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage take on NJ/NY Gotham FC in a Challenge Cup game
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Fran Stuchbury)
The North Carolina Courage defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 to open the third annual National Women's Soccer League Challenge Cup at home at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday. The game was televised on Paramount+.
"I felt it was a very well-rounded performance from our players," said North Carolina Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas. "I want to thank our veteran players. We lost some pieces to the puzzle but this win is something for them to be very proud of."
During the off-season the Courage made several roster moves that included trading veteran players such as forward Lynn Williams and midfielder Sam Mewis to Kansas City plus forward Jessica McDonald to Louisville. Forward Amy Rodriguez retired and is now an assistant coach at USC.
Nahas added, "I don't know what the season is going lead us to; this was a small step in a positive direction and we will continue to plug away. This was a really big foundation that we laid down today."
The Courage opened up scoring in the 22nd minute on a goal by midfielder Briana Pinto.
"I think this is a dream come true, having all of my family and friends in the stands and the support of all my teammates," said Briana Pinto. "It was a testament to how hard we've worked over the last six weeks in preseason. To score a goal against my former team meant a lot to me, because it's my first professional goal and also my first start, so this is a big night. I'm grateful for the opportunity to play in front of my loved ones and such an amazing club."
Pinto played at North Carolina helping UNC advance to the College Cup Final in 2019. After being drafted by NJ/NY Gotham FC third overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft, she played in seven games for Gotham FC that season. She was traded to the Courage on December 6, 2021 for $125,000 of allocation money.
Closing the scoring for the Courage in the 51st minute was defender and team captain Abby Erceg.
"I was saying to the girls this was one of the best performances they have seen from the team in a couple of years," Erceg said. "It's exciting for us to put that much effort into a game and be very happy with that."
Erceg is playing her ninth season in the NWSL and has been part of the Courage since they arrived in North Carolina in 2017. In 2018 she was named NWSL Defender of the Year. Erceg has played on the New Zealand National Team since 2006.
The North Carolina Courage continue NWSL Challenge Cup play at home Saturday March 26th against the Orlando Pride.
Images from this story
 North Carolina Courage pose before their Challenge Cup opener (Fran Stuchbury) |
 North Carolina Courage take on NJ/NY Gotham FC in a Challenge Cup game (Fran Stuchbury) |
National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 20, 2022
- Houston Dash Fall to Chicago Red Stars in Home Opener - Houston Dash
- Chicago Red Stars Defeat Houston Dash 1-3 in Challenge Cup Play - Chicago Stars FC
- Courage Open Challenge Cup Play with a Victory - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Courage Open Challenge Cup Play with a Victory - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Courage Open Challenge Cup Play with a Victory - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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