NWSL North Carolina Courage

NC Courage Visit Racing Louisville FC for Decisive Eastern Division Match-Up

Published on April 24, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


Cary, N.C. - North Carolina Courage will have the chance to get back in the win column when they visit Racing Louisville FC on Monday, April 26. This meeting marks the first between the two teams in franchise history.

Monday's match is the Courage's third in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, presented by Secret Deodorant, and the team currently holds a 1-1-0 record for the tournament. This game is a must-win for the Courage to keep their chances of advancing to the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup final.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

Players to Watch presented by Jublia:

North Carolina Courage - #4 Carson Pickett

Carson Pickett, recently acquired by the Courage from Orlando Pride in February, has made an early and impressive impact in the North Carolina backline. A four-year veteran of the NWSL, Pickett brings remarkable leadership and game intelligence, and is admired by her new teammates for her precise services and quick decision-making. Pickett and Courage forward, Jessica McDonald, have made an instant connection on the pitch, as McDonald notes Carson's early impact:

"She reads my runs well, and quickly learned where I like to receive the ball. She plays dimes!" McDonald said. "I thought she was going to have big shoes to fill, with the absence of Jaelene Hinkle and Crystal Dunn. But she didn't have any shoes to fill. She brought her own and they were already full."

Racing Louisville FC - #11 Emily Fox

Emily Fox, No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, brings a well-rounded skill set to Racing Louisville in their inaugural season with the league. While rostered as a defender, Fox's versatility and attacking mindset makes her a strong asset to the Louisville midfield and attack. Fox has played every minute of Louisville's Challenge Cup Campaign, notching an assist in her first match as a pro.

The UNC-Chapel Hill alumna brings international experience, with four caps for the U.S. Women's National Team. Her speed, technical ability and hunger to drive forward will be a challenging test for the Courage side.

Last Time Out:

On Tuesday, April 20, the Courage clashed with the newly-rebranded NJ/NY Gotham FC (formerly Sky Blue FC) in a high-scoring, hard-fought battle, but fell 4-3 on the road at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Gotham was on the board first with a goal from forward Midge Purce in the 18th minute. Courage midfielder Debinha responded, scoring a pair of goals just two minutes apart (21' and 23') to give North Carolina a temporary lead. Gotham would waste no time taking the lead with consecutive goals from Purce and Carli Lloyd before the half. A second-half goal (50') from forward Jessica McDonald pulled the Courage even again, but Gotham FC forward Evelyne Viens slammed the door shut with a goal in the waning minutes of stoppage time.

"We are still working on getting organized - we are only in our second game - we are going to be rusty," McDonald said. "It's going to be a while until we are at our sharpest. We're not perfect, we will never be, but we are going to be at our best as the season continues."

Read the full recap here.

What's Next:

NC Courage will return home to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a sold-out match against the Orlando Pride on May 1, rounding out the group stage of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup. The game will air live on CBS Sports Network at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Courage and Pride faced off twice during the 2020 Fall Series, both matches resulting in a tie. Brazilian midfielder Debinha scored a brace and recorded one assist in the teams' most recent meeting on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 in Orlando, FL.

2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Info:

The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant will see the league's 10 teams organized into two divisions for 21 total matches. Each team will play two matches in their home markets. The club from each division with the most points will then compete in the Challenge Cup Final, scheduled for May 8 on CBS. The championship site will be determined by the league at a later date.

Check out the North Carolina Courage Statistics

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