NWSL North Carolina Courage

Nc Courage Land Three on NWSL Best XI for June, Presented by Mastercard

Published on July 5, 2023 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


NEW YORK - The North Carolina Courage have a league-high three players named to the June NWSL Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. Defender Kaleigh Kurtz, forward Kerolin Nicoli, and goalkeeper Casey Murphy all earn the honors for June.

Kurtz played every minute at center back, making 14 clearances with five blocks, an interception and tackle. Her leadership along the back line helped the Courage to three clean sheets for the month, closing June with 352 consecutive regular season minutes without conceding. The Courage allowed just one goal for the month and led the NWSL with a +8 goal differential as they stormed up the standings.

Kerolin was dominant in June, scoring four goals on 12 shots, six of which were on frame. The Brazilian superstar recorded her first-career hat-trick - and second-ever by a Brazilian - in the Courage 5-0 win over Chicago on June 10. She followed up with the match-winner in a 3-0 home result against Orlando the next week, also forcing a Pride own-goal for the clinching tally. Kerolin's eight goals this season rank second in the NWSL.

Murphy stopped five of six shots faced in June, posting an 83.3 save percentage and three clean sheets. The U.S. Women's National Team keeper has had a 2023 to remember so far. She's already set - and extended - the Courage record for career clean sheets, posting seven so far this season. Her latest made 30 for her career, becoming the fourth-ever NWSL keeper to hit the milestone and the youngest to do so.

The Courage went 3-1 in league play and won their only UKG Challenge Cup match of the month, 2-1, at the Spirit. The Courage currently lead the NWSL Table and are in first place in the East Division in Challenge Cup pool play. The Courage have now placed four players on monthly Best XI teams this season.

The Courage return to action this Sunday, July 9, when they visit Angel City FC for league play. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (5 PT) at BMO Stadium and the match will air regionally on Bally Sports South and the Bally App, stream nationally on Paramount+ and international viewers can watch on nwslsoccer.com.

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