CARY, N.C. (July 6, 2023) — The North Carolina Courage U23’s advance to the Southern Conference finals after a 3-0 win over FC Miami City Thursday night at WakeMed Soccer Park Field Two. The South Atlantic Division champion and conference two-seed Courage improve to 12-0-1.

The competition between the Courage and FC Miami City was strong out of the gate. The Courage started out with a strong opportunity after a cross from Mia Oliaro was shot by Macy Bader and deflected off of the FC Miami goalkeeper, then shot again by Heather O’Reilly for another deflection. After Miami answered with an equally dangerous chance, the Courage finally broke through in the 41’ when Mia Oliaro played a stunning through ball to Izzy Brown who blistered the back of the net to give the Courage a one-goal lead at the break. Coming into the second half NC Courage fought to add to their lead early on. Oliaro again played provider as she carried deep into the corner to serve a ball directly to the head of Mackenize Geigle, who found the back of the goal. Geigle later added an assist of her own with a pass to Braelynn Francher who passed it in for the third goal of the night. With many chances throughout the game, the FC Miami City goalkeeper Denise Mendoza kept the Courage scoring to only three goals after some outstanding saves.The Courage will play for the Southern Conference Championship this Saturday, July 8 2023 at 6:00 PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park where they will face top-seeded Tampa Bay United. The winner of Saturday’s match will head to the USL W League semifinals. Tickets are available here and fans can watch live on www.nccourage.com/watch.