Live Stats(NWSL) Broadcast: Paramount+ (PXP: Josh Eastern, Analyst: Saskia Webber)
PREVIEW
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 2, 2023) — The North Carolina Courage put their five-match unbeaten streak on the line as they visit Kansas City to wrap up the regular season series with the Current this Saturday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 CT). The Courage, who earned a home 1-0 win in the season opener, aim for a 2023 sweep. The match streams on Paramount+.
Establishing an identity and writing their own narrative, the Courage style of play has not only proven fun to watch – but also effective. The team is three points off the top of the table and amid an unbeaten run spanning more than a month. The team continues to lead the NWSL in possession, passing accuracy, and successful passes while allowing the third-fewest goals. North Carolina has conceded once or fewer in seven of their last eight overall competitions. Kerolin Nicoli scored her fourth goal of the season last Saturday in the 1-2 win at Racing Louisville and quietly sits one off the Golden Boot pace. Six of the Courage 10 goals have come in the last four matches as the young team is seeming to round into form in the attacking third – the piece that is most difficult in this new and intricate system. This team is perhaps surprising even themselves in how quickly things are coming together. Chemistry, both on and off the field, and a team-first mentality are undoubtedly a factor in the arc of their growth. Sean Nahas and a strong core of veteran leaders with a passion for the club and community have set a brilliant foundation upon which to build. With seemingly weekly ghosts of Courage past, the 2023 squad are providing an entertaining present and signs of a very bright future.
The Match-up
This is the eighth all-time meeting between the current Kansas City club and North Carolina. The Courage hold a 3-2-2 edge after a 1-0 win on 2023 Opening Day at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mille Gejl made a banner first impression with her long-range game winner. This match-up presents a different challenge with the return of Debinha to the lineup; the first time the Courage will have to defend the Brazilian superstar who played her whole NWSL career in North Carolina before signing with the Current as a free agent this past off-season.
Scouting Kansas City
The Current may be an even bigger surprise than North Carolina this season, but not in the way they’d like. After a run to the NWSL Championship match last season, Kansas City’s off-season was full of star-studded acquisitions and expectations. But just six points through nine matches see the defending NWSL runners up at the bottom of the table, a coaching change, and a bevy of injuries. The Current record doesn’t mean they are a team to be taken lightly. They are still brimming with talent, particular on the offensive end. Debinha has four goals despite missing a few early matches. Cece Kizer has three goals and Hailie Mace has a pair of assists and created 13 chances. Rookie Michelle Cooper has yet to score, but has ripped a team-high 18 shots as she continues to learn the pro game while veteran Lo’eau LaBonta has won 19 fouls and continues to set tempo and energy in the midfield. The main issue for Kansas City has been on the defensive end, allowing 18 goals this season – the most in the league. A dangerous offense and struggling defense pitted against a Courage stout defense and possession-focused style that is still growing on the offensive end should be a fun pairing.
Players to Watch
North Carolina: Narumi (#6) Narumi may have been one of the most underrated signings of the entire NWSL off-season. Her ability both on the ball and in regaining possession, composure, and vision are all elite. She’s got two assists, has taken seven shots, passes at 83% while winning 72% of tackles and 53% of duels. Playing box to box, her rhythm and chemistry with Denise O’Sullivan and Meredith Speck has quickly jolted the Courage midfield among the league’s best. With a calming presence, magnetic personality and love for learning and soccer, the Japanese rising star has both fit in and stood out in just a few short months. Kansas City: Debinha (#99) Of all the off-season moves by Kansas City, acquiring the reigning NWSL MVP finalist was among the biggest splashes in the entire league. After an injury in the She Believes Cup cost her the first few weeks of the season, the Brazilian superstar has returned to form. She’s bagged four goals on 14 shots, had seven big chances and created seven scoring chances for teammates. With a bottomless bag of tricks and a knack for the big moment, it’s no secret that after 100 matches in a Courage kit, Debinha will be chomping at the bit for her first opportunity against the club with whom she’d previously spent her entire career.
Next Up
The Courage continue the road stretch with the last team left to face in 2023, visiting the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 10, at 8:00 p.m. ET at SeatGeek Stadium. The match will stream on Paramount+ while regional viewers will have local options soon to be announced.
