by Fran Stuchbury
September 19, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage take on OL Reign under the lights at WakeMed Soccer Park
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Fran Stuchbury)
The North Carolina Courage lost to OL Reign 2-1 WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday in front of 6,398 fans. The setback snapped the Courage’s three-game losing streak. It was the first-ever loss by North Carolina to OL Reign at WakeMed Soccer Park, having been 6-0 at home against them previously.
North Carolina remains in eighth place in the NWSL standings with three regular season games remaining which will take place over a 10-day period. The top six teams make it to the NWSL postseason.
“It’s a bit unfortunate. I am proud of the group of their game. We gave ourselves chances, but we couldn’t find the second one,” said North Carolina Head Coach Sean Nahas. “It’s a good OL Reign team and when you have teams competing for spots its always difficult, but I am proud of the group’s effort.”
“We showed we are a resilient group. We are outside playoff content,” said Courage midfielder Briana Pinto. “We are going to keep pushing in our final games. In the final stretch of our season it’s going be about heart, work ethic and leaving it all on the field.”
The Courage scored first in the sixth minute on an own goal that on a ball that was deflected off Reign defender Alana Cook and into the net.
OL Reign tied the game in 11th minute with a goal by midfielder Rose Lavelle. Lavelle was selected number one overall in the 2017 NWSL Draft by the Boston Breakers. After the Breakers folded in 2018 the Washington Spirit claimed her in a dispersal draft. On August 16, 2020 she was traded to OL Reign. Lavelle has been a member of the United States National Team since 2017.
Forward Megan Rapinoe scored the game-winning goal in the 26th minute.
Rapinoe played for several teams in WPS from 2009 until 2011: the Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence and MagicJack. She has been playing with the NWSL OL Reign team since the 2013 season. Rapinoe has been a member on the United States National Team since 2006.
The Courage’s next game is on the road Wednesday against the Orlando Pride. They will play at home the following Saturday, September 24th against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
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