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North Carolina Courage

Courage Rebound with Resounding 5-0 Victory

by Fran Stuchbury
May 30, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage


North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC
North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Fran Stuchbury)

After losing last week at home for the first time since June 2018, the North Carolina Courage got back on track with a dominant 5-0 victory over expansion side Racing Louisville FC Friday night at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

"It was like old times to be honest with you, especially in the second half when we scored four goals," said North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley. "And it was nice to get an early goal in (the) first half."

The Courage scored their first goal in the 7th minute by defender and team captain Abby Erceg. Erceg is playing her eighth season in the NWSL and also plays for the New Zealand national team.

It was raining in the second half, but that didn't slow the Courage down one bit.

Lynn Williams recorded the second goal of the game for the Courage in the 63rd minute.

Williams also plays for the United States women's national team.

"I think that nobody wants to lose two times in a row at home," Williams said. "This is our home field, and I feel putting a stamp on it saying when you come in here you will have to put up a fight to win. That's what we said tonight, (after) we fell short last week. I am happy we learned our lesson and moved forward."

The Courage scored their third goal of the game in the 68th minute by Debinha. Debinha has been a member of the Courage since they began playing in North Carolina back in 2017 and is a member of the Brazil women's national team.

Haile Mace came into the game as a substitute in the 71st minute and scored the Courage's last two goals in the 75th and 90th minute. Those were the first two goals she scored for the Courage since joining the team in 2020.

"It was a great feeling," said Mace. "It was my first two goals. It was really fun to come off the bench and score some goals for this team. That's what we have been working on and we wanted to see the ball in the back of the net more."

Here is Mace's first goal scored as a member of the North Carolina Courage in the 75th minute.

The North Carolina Courage's next game is on the road at the Chicago Red Stars on June 2nd. Their next home game will be June 19th against OL Reign at 4 pm eastern.

Check out the North Carolina Courage Statistics




Images from this story

North Carolina Courage pose before their game against Racing Louisville FC
North Carolina Courage pose before their game against Racing Louisville FC
(Fran Stuchbury)		 North Carolina Courage lineup with Racing Louisville FC
North Carolina Courage lineup with Racing Louisville FC
(Fran Stuchbury)		 North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC
North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC
(Fran Stuchbury)

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 30, 2021


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