MATCH PREVIEW: Courage Return to Regular Season Action Saturday at Gotham
Match Info:
North Carolina Courage at NJ/NY Gotham FC
Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m. ET
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
CARY, NC (May 13, 2022) – Coming off their 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship win, the North Carolina Courage return to regular-season play when they visit NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday, May 14, at 7 p.m. ET.
Last Time Out: The North Carolina Courage defeated the visiting Washington Spirit, 2-1, at home on Saturday to win the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship. The match featured goals by Courage striker and Championship MVP, Kerolin Nicoli, along with Spirit forward Ashley Hatch and an own goal by Spirit defender Taylor Aylmer to give the Courage the win in the 70th minute.
Midfielder Debinha was named the Budweiser Tournament MVP for the second year in a row, and Abby Erceg, Carson Pickett and Debinha were all named to the All-Tournament Team.
For the second time in their Challenge Cup history, the Courage went undefeated through all group stage play (2020: 4-0-0; 2022: 3-0-3).
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Twitch (internationally)
Players to Watch Presented by JubliaRX.com
North Carolina Courage – #1 Casey Murphy
Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy is expected to make her return to action Saturday at Gotham after missing the Challenge Cup with an injury sustained in training back in March. Murphy was outstanding in her first season with the Courage in 2021, recording an impressive 109 saves in 24 starts, and posting an NWSL record-tying 11 clean sheets on the year. Look out for Murphy to bring her poise and prowess back to the pitch in the near future.
NJ/NY Gotham FC – #25 Ifeoma Onumonu
An offensive staple for the Gotham side, forward Ifeoma Onumonu has already made her mark this season. In Gotham’s two games played this year, Onumonu has started both and has registered one shot which was on target. Watch for Onumonu to make key passes and dangerous plays all game long.
Up Next: The North Carolina Courage return home to WakeMed Soccer Park to play host to the Orlando Pride on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets can be found here, and the match will be streamed live on Paramount+ and Twitch.