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NWSL North Carolina Courage

Preview: UKG Challenge Cup Semifinal at Kansas City

September 5, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The North Carolina Courage continue their UKG NWSL Challenge Cup title defense as they visit the Kansas City Current for semifinal action on Wednesday, September 6, at 8:00 p.m. ET (7 CT) at Children's Mercy Park. North Carolina earns the three-seed in the knockout stage as the Eastern Division Champions and face the second-seeded Current, who qualify as the Central Division Champion, on CBS Sports Network.

The advancing team from this match will host the Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, September 9, at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS (regardless of RGN/LOU result). The Courage have been in this spot before, having to win in Kansas City in the 2022 semifinal to host the Final, which the Courage would win on their home field. The Courage used two first-half goals to down the Current, 2-1, in last year's semifinal.

The Courage and Current have already completed their 2023 season series in NWSL league play, with each home team earning a 1-0 win. The Courage have visited Children's Mercy Park five times and have earned a Challenge Cup semifinal win and a pair of draws. This year's knockout stages will not feature extra time. If the match is level after regulation, the advancing team will be decided via penalty kicks.

The Courage had an incredible unbeaten run of 14 straight Challenge Cup matches snapped against Gotham in their final group stage game, falling 2-0 and putting their title defense in the balance. But a draw between Gotham and Orlando the following Wednesday gave North Carolina the goal differential tiebreaker over NJY to punch their ticket back into the knockout stage. North Carolina's lopsided wins over Washington (6-0) and Orlando (5-0) gave them plenty of wiggle room in the tiebreak scenario.

While Kerolin Nicoli hasn't had full opportunity to make an impact in Challenge Cup play this season, her performance since returning from the World Cup should have all eyes on the Brazilian superstar. She's dished three assists and scored a goal in two matches since rejoining the Courage. Last year she recorded six shots in the semifinal matchup in Kansas City and it's fair to expect her presence will be heavily felt in this year's knockout stage.

Kristen Hamilton has been a force in the Current attack in Challenge Cup play, netting five goals on 11 shots in four matches. Reigning Challenge Cup MVP Debinha also has three goals despite just 168 minutes due to international duty. Overall, six different players have scored for what has been a potent Current offense in the midseason tournament.

The young Courage have their first true pressure situation on their hands this season. With a win-or-go-home fixture, this is not only a chance to get back to the Final, but also gain valuable experience for a roster that doesn't have much post-season experience. Sitting in the thick of the NWSL table, this could be important growth for a team that suddenly has lofty goals.

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