CARY, N.C. (July 21, 2023) – The North Carolina Courage resume UKG NWSL Challenge Cup pool play as they welcome the Washington Spirit for an Eastern Division clash at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The match will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States and on www.nwslsoccer.com internationally.

The Courage begin their second turn through the division, having played each opponent once so far this season. The Courage have five points (1-0-2) through three matches, leading the group. Gotham FC is one point behind but has a match in hand. The Courage, defending Challenge Cup Champions, salvaged a point in the 2023 opener when Denise O’Sullivan rocketed an equalizer at the death in Orlando to earn a 1-1 draw. The Courage and Gotham played to the same score a few weeks later at WakeMed Soccer Park. Then, on June 14, the Courage came from behind at Audi Field to down the Spirit, 2-1, on a late Olivia Wingate goal with a beautiful assist from fellow rookie Haley Hopkins. The Courage are undefeated in their last 13 Challenge Cup matches, level with OL Reign for the longest ever streak… and both are still active. The Courage saw a stretch of five straight wins and 12 of 13 unbeaten snapped in a 2-1 loss to Angel City FC two weeks ago at BMO Stadium in the final NWSL league match before the international break. Having played two matches sans World Cup stars, the young and deep Courage roster continues to gain valuable experience as they try to replace six – seven including Meredith Speck, who was placed on the Season-Ending Injury list today – of the top 12 players in minutes this season prior to the international departures. Tyler Lussi has scored four goals for the Courage this season and nearly had the equalizer in Los Angeles, straying a stride offside before burying the chance, two weeks ago. The winger has emerged into a potent threat in the attacking third and the consistently brilliant play of Narumi in the midfield keeps the Courage engine running strong. Kiki Pickett has stepped in nicely to replace Emily Fox at left back, allowing the rest of the back line to remain intact. Veteran goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland was sharp in taking over for Casey Murphy the last two matches. No goalkeeper has more Challenge Cup wins for their career than Rowland’s 10 and she is unbeaten in 14 of 15 lifetime matches (10W, 4D). The Courage look to continue their impressive Challenge Cup run in their title defense season as they vie for a sweep of the Spirit in pool play. Follow @TheNCCourage on social media for ticket and game day information.