Rodriguez Boosts Courage to 1-0 Decision over Chicago
by Fran Stuchbury
August 16, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage lineup vs. the Chicago Red Stars
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Fran Stuchbury)
The North Carolina Courage scored a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday after the game was delayed 51 minutes due to inclement weather. With this victory the Courage improve to 4-2-1 at home this season and remained in second place, five points behind Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL standings.
"I thought our first half performance was good," head coach Paul Riley said. "We lost some focus a bit in the second half and Chicago caused us a lot of trouble in the last 15 minutes, but we're happy with the points and know we have some things to work on before our next match."
Forward Amy Rodriguez scored her first goal as a member of the Courage on a penalty kick in the 40th minute thanks to a handball in the box from Red Stars' defender Kayla Sharples.
"It's such a privilege to play for this club, let alone score for this club," said Rodriguez. "I have all of my team behind me to thank because they raise my level immensely and make me a far better player."
Rodriguez played for the Women's Professional Soccer Boston Breakers in 2009 and Philadelphia Independence in 2010 and 2011 with head coach Paul Riley. In the NWSL, she has suited up with FC Kanas City, Utah Royals and Kansas City. On July 22nd she was acquired from Kansas City with $60,000 of allocation money for Kristen Hamilton, Hailie Mace and Katelyn Rowland.
Rodriguez was also a member of the United States Women's National Team from 2005 until 2018.
Rodriguez added, "This team has a championship mentality. They bring the best out of me on the field. It's a lot of work to play here, but it is so rewarding."
The highlights of the game included a stellar performance by North Carolina goalkeeper Casey Murphy who made four saves and recorded her sixth shutout.
The Courage's next game is at home against Kanas City on Saturday at 7 pm Eastern.
Images from this story
 North Carolina Courage vs. the Chicago Red Stars (Fran Stuchbury) |
 North Carolina Courage lineup vs. the Chicago Red Stars (Fran Stuchbury) |
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 16, 2021
- The Women's Cup Explained; What You Need to Know - Racing Louisville FC
- Rodriguez Boosts Courage to 1-0 Decision over Chicago - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Rodriguez Boosts Courage to 1-0 Decision over Chicago - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Rodriguez Boosts Courage to 1-0 Decision over Chicago - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Soccer Legend Carli Lloyd Announces Retirement - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- NJ/NY Gotham FC Battles to 1-1 Draw at Home against Racing Louisville FC - NJ/NY Gotham FC
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
