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NWSL North Carolina Courage

NC Courage Fall to Reign FC After Several Stoppage Time Chances

May 27, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


Tacoma, Wash. - The North Carolina Courage came up inches short of an equalizing goal in the final seconds of their match against Reign FC to fall, 2-1. The NC Courage's one goal of the game came from captain, Abby Erceg, a minute before stoppage time in the team's strong last effort to earn a draw in the game.

The first eight minutes of the match consisted of several shots on both ends of the field. Both NC Courage goalkeeper, Katelyn Rowland, and Reign FC goalkeeper, Casey Murphy were active in the opening minutes.

Bethany Balcer's header in the 13th minute was the first to find the net amongst the fast-paced, back-and-forth match. The goal was Balcer's second goal of the season.

Leah Pruitt, who made her first career NWSL start in the match, tried to answer six minutes later. Lynn Williams played a cross to Pruitt who tried a back-heel flick. Murphy made the save on what would have been a highlight reel goal.

Merritt Mathias came up with a goal-line save right before halftime. A Reign FC shot hit the goal post and then Rowland before bouncing in front of goal. Mathias ran and booted the ball ahead before it could cross the goal line. The NC Courage went into halftime down 1-0 for the third straight game.

The Courage controlled possession in the beginning of the second half but were unable to get off many shots. The team brought on the fresh legs of Elizabeth Eddy, Heather O'Reilly, and Julia Spetsmark as substitutions.

Reign FC found an opening in the 86th minute when Rowland came off of her line. Forward, Shea Groom briefly collided with Rowland before finding the ball and hitting it into an empty net.

The Courage did not give up though, continuing the high pressure and earning several consecutive corner kicks. Erceg used her height on a ball from Jaelene Hinkle to rise above the Reign defense and send in a bullet of a header into the goal. The Courage wasted no time celebrating after the goal and ran back to midfield looking for time to get an equalizer.

Mathias had a chance in the final seconds sending in an arching shot that hit the crossbar. After no finish on the rebound, the Courage ran out of time and chances for the equalizer.

Up Next:

The North Carolina Courage will travel to take on the Orlando Pride on Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Notes:

Leah Pruitt earned her first start of the season in the match. The rookie was the 5th overall draft pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft.

Abby Erceg, who will now be departing the team for the World Cup, scored her first goal of the season. She played every minute of the first seven matches of the season.

Jaelene Hinkle earned her second assist of the season.

Box Score:

SEA (4-3-3): Casey Murphy; Kristen McNabb, Lauren Barnes ©, Megan Oyster, Theresa Nielsen; Morgan Andrews, Beverly Yanez (Maegan Kelly, 90+2'), Jessica Fishlock; Darian Jenkins (Ifeoma Onumonu, 77'), Bethany Balcer, Shea Groom

Subs not used: Christen Westphal, Morgan Proffitt, Kiersten Dallstream, Jaycie Jonshon, Scout Watson

NCC (4-4-2 Box): Katelyn Rowland; Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Erceg ©, Kaleigh Kurtz, Merritt Mathias; Kristen Hamilton (Heather O'Reilly, 70'), McCall Zerboni, Denise O'Sullivan, Cari Roccaro (Liz Eddy, 61'), Lynn Williams, Leah Pruitt (Julia Spetsmark, 83')

Subs not used: Sam Leshnak, Ally Haran, Ryan Williams, Meredith Speck

Score:

SEA: 2

NCC: 1

Goals:

SEA: Bethany Balcer (Kristen McNabb, 13'), Shea Groom (Unassisted, 86')

NCC: Abby Erceg (Jaelene Hinkle, 89')

Cautions:

SEA: Theresa Nielsen 30'

NCC: --

Ejections:

SEA: --

NCC: --

Attendance: 3,032

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