HARRISON, N.J. (Aug. 5, 2023) — The North Carolina Courage fell in their final group stage match of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, 2-0, to Gotham FC Saturday night at Red Bull Arena. The loss is the first for the Courage in the cup, and first in the competition since April 20, 2021, ending the group stage at 3-1-2 for 11 points.

The Courage remain one point ahead of Gotham FC with Gotham having one more match this Wednesday against Orlando. The Courage will clinch the division with a loss or draw by Gotham in their final match. Gotham struck first, capitalizing on a Courage turnover in their own defensive third that allowed Katie Stengel to turn in the box that deflected into corner netting despite a sliding block attempt from the defense. The concession snapped 13 unanswered goals scored by the Courage in Challenge Cup play. Gotham doubled their lead around the hour mark when a loose ball off a set piece found Delanie Sheehan, who flicked McCall Zerboni past the defense and she was able to finish. The Courage had a couple of great looks inside ten minutes left, including a spinning attempt that hit the crossbar twice and a header on frame, but could not get on the scoresheet.

Match Notes

• The Courage lost in Challenge Cup play for the first time since April 20, 2021, snapping a 15-match unbeaten streak

• The Courage snapped a stretch of eight straight matches with at least a goal

• The Courage will need a draw/loss by Gotham Wednesday to clinch the East Division

Next Match: The North Carolina Courage return to NWSL league action on Sunday, August 20, when they visit the Portland Thorns. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 PT) from Providence Park. The match will air regionally on Bally Sports South and the Bally App, on Paramount+ in the United States and on www.nwslsoccer.com internationally.

Box Score:

NCC (4-3-3): Katelyn Rowland, Kiki Pickett (Sydney Collins – 73’), Malia Berkely, Kaleigh Kurtz, Ryan Williams, Brianna Pinto (Sarah Clark – 73’), Narumi Miura, Frankie Tagliaferri (Victoria Pickett – 60’), Brittany Ratcliffe ©, Tyler Lussi (Olivia Wingate – 60’), Tess Boade

Subs Not Used: Marisa Bova, Sarah Clark, Haley Hopkins, Nikia Smith, Haleigh Stackpole, Estelle Johnson

NJY (4-3-3): Abby Smith, Jenna Nighswonger, Ali Krieger © (Kristen Edmonds – 43’), Ellie Jean, Mandy Freeman (Taylor Smith – 76’), Nealy Martin, McCall Zerboni (Sabrina Flores – 90’), Delanie Sheehan, Yazmeen Ryan, Midge Purce (Maitane López – 90’), Katie Stengel (Allie Long – 76’)

Subs Not Used: Michelle Betos, Amanda Haught, Meleana Shim, Annika Creel

Score:

NCC: 0

NJY: 2

Goals:

NCC:

NJY: K. Stengel – 16’; M. Zerboni – 59’ (D. Sheehan)

Cautions:

NCC: B. Ratcliffe – 36’; K. Pickett – 49’

NJY: M. Zerboni – 80’

Ejections:

NCC: –

NJY: –