MATCH PREVIEW: Courage vs. Washington Spirit
Match Info:
North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit Friday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET WakeMed Soccer Park | Cary, NC
CARY, NC (July 28, 2022) – The North Carolina Courage are finally home for Pride Night in a clash with the Washington Spirit on Friday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ and Twitch (internationally).
Friday’s match is the fourth between the teams in 2022, with the most recent ending in a 3-2 Courage win in Leesburg, VA. Kaleigh Kurtz scored the game-winner in the last minutes of the game.
Last Time Out: The North Carolina Courage came out strong against the Chicago Red Stars Sunday evening at SeatGeek Stadium, but two late goals from the home side ended the match in a 2-2 draw. The Courage dominated the first 15 minutes of the match, with consistent presses in the attacking third. Finally, in the 22nd minute, defender Carson Pickett broke the ice scoring her first ever NWSL goal. With an assist from midfielder Meredith Speck (her first of the season), Pickett capped off a career week adding her goal to her first USWNT full-team cap. Brittany Ratcliffe netted her first goal of the season in the 48th minute when Merritt Mathias sent a well-placed cross right to the feet of Ratcliffe, who tapped the ball right in.
Though the Red Stars would come back late to seal the draw behind goals from Sarah Griffith and Amanda Kowalski, the match wasn’t without its milestones and moments. Aside from Carson Pickett’s first career NWSL goal, defender and captain Abby Erceg played her 100th career Courage game. Erceg has recorded six goals and four assists in that span and has solidified herself as one of the best defenders in the history of the league.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Twitch (internationally)
Players to Watch Presented by JubliaRX.com
North Carolina Courage – #1 Casey Murphy North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy returns to club action after an extremely eventful June and first bit of July. The 26-year-old received another call up to join the USWNT, this time contributing to the squad’s successful CONCACAF W Championship campaign. Murphy was an integral part of the USWNT’s eventual Championship win, earning three clean sheets in as many appearances. Washington Spirit – #12 Andi Sullivan Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan is known in the NWSL and on the international stage for her leadership and poise. Through five games played this season, Sullivan has seven clearances, eight interceptions and a 74.2% pass rate.
Up Next: The North Carolina Courage hit the road again to clash with long-time rivals the Portland Thorns on Friday, Aug. 5, at 10:30 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and Twitch (internationally).
