MATCH PREVIEW: Courage at Chicago Red Stars
Match Info:
North Carolina Courage at Chicago Red Stars Sunday, July 10 at 6 p.m. ET SeatGeek Stadium | Bridgeview, IL
CARY, NC (July 9, 2022) – The North Carolina Courage are on the road again this week, this time to visit the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, July 10, at 6 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ and Twitch (internationally).
Sunday’s clash marks the first meeting between the Courage and the Red Stars this season, but both teams are looking to come out on top after splitting the 2021 season series with a win apiece. The Courage are also looking for their first road win over Chicago.
Last Time Out: The North Carolina Courage couldn’t find the back of the net in last Friday night’s 2-0 loss against OL Reign at Lumen Field in downtown Seattle. A late one on the East Coast, the match featured goals from Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock and forward Bethany Balcer.
Despite the loss, the match highlighted a pair of significant player milestones. Midfielder Frankie Tagliaferri, signed by the Courage in January 2021 after North Carolina acquired her rights from the OL Reign in a successful discovery challenge, earned her first professional/Courage start. Tagliaferri recorded one cross and two tackles-won in 64 minutes of play on Friday night. Goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland reached and surpassed 5,000 minutes of NWSL action on Friday night, making her just the 12th NWSL keeper to reach the milestone in league history.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Twitch (internationally)
Players to Watch Presented by JubliaRX.com
North Carolina Courage – #6 Abby Erceg North Carolina Courage defender Abby Erceg is expected to make her return to action in Sunday’s match after missing the Courage’s last bout in Seattle against OL Reign on Friday, July 1, due to injury. The Courage captain is an imperative piece of the backline, bringing veteran personality and dependability to the North Carolina side. Sunday’s match will also be her 100th Courage match played. Chicago Red Stars – #11 Sarah Luebbert Chicago Red Stars forward Sarah Luebbert made her mark for her team in last week’s 3-0 win over NJ/NY Gotham FC, scoring her first goal of the regular season. Luebbert has played 333 minutes through six games thus far this season, recording five shots and three interceptions as well.
Up Next: The North Carolina Courage finally return home to take on Angel City FC on Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. ET for Pride Night. The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+ and Twitch (internationally).
