Courage Travel to Louisville
July 26, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The North Carolina Courage continue NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup action as they visit Racing Louisville FC for the second fixture of Group E play this Friday, July 26, with an 8 p.m. ET kickoff at Lynn Family Stadium.
North Carolina played the Orlando Pride to a 1-1 draw last Saturday in the opening fixture before earning an extra point in the penalty shootout with a 5-4 result behind two big saves from Marisa Bova, who made her professional debut in goal. Manaka scored just before halftime, slotting home a cutback feed from Ryan Williams. It was another team goal, shades of the 15-pass buildup that led to a goal a few weeks ago.
Racing Louisville overcame an early deficit to earn a 3-1 home win over Rayadas de Monterrey in the opener. Louisville sits atop the group with three points while the Courage have two.
The Courage, who have earned a result in a season-best four straight regular-season fixtures, continue to build upon their strong performances. They held over 65% of possession and rattled off 20 shots in the draw last week. While disappointed to concede, the versatility and depth of the group were on display while sticking to the Courage brand of football.
With five group winners competing for four semifinal spots, there isn't much room for error, as winning the group is not a guarantee to advance. The Courage will look to build on their recent run of form and continue to give bigger roles - and new ones - to some players for experience and experimentation.
The Courage have two matches in the next five days. If they earn a semifinal appearance with the next two performances, they'll be right back to work for August 6. Otherwise, they will continue to prepare for the back half of the NWSL regular season, which resumes in late August.
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 26, 2024
- Racing, North Carolina Play to 1-1 Draw in Summer Cup Group Stage - Racing Louisville FC
- Courage Get Late Equalizer From Riley Jackson, Win In Pens Again - North Carolina Courage
- Kansas City Current Host Pachuca for First International Match in NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup - Kansas City Current
- Utah Royals Host Portland Thorns for Second Summer Cup Match - Utah Royals FC
- Portland Thorns Waive Defender Meaghan Nally - Portland Thorns FC
- Courage Travel to Louisville - North Carolina Courage
- Seattle Reign FC Defender Ryanne Brown Placed on Season-Ending Injury List - Seattle Reign FC
- Houston Dash Host Six-Time LIGA MX Femenil Champions on Sunday at Shell Energy Stadium - Houston Dash
- San Diego Wave FC Sign Emma Vanderhyden as National Team Replacement Player - San Diego Wave FC
- Matchday Info: San Diego Wave FC vs. Club América Femenil - San Diego Wave FC
- Gotham FC Signs USYNT Forward Mak Whitham - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Bay FC to Host International Club FC Barcelona for Friendly on August 27 - Bay FC
- Preview: Chicago Red Stars vs. Chivas de Guadalajara Femenil - Chicago Stars FC
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