May 14, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – North Carolina Courage News Release
CARY, N.C. – The North Carolina Courage showed poise, skill, and the signs of something special brewing in a 1-0 win over OL Reign Sunday afternoon at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Courage improve to 3-3-1 on the regular season and are unbeaten in three straight matches.
The Courage dominated the opening quarter-hour, holding 70% of the possession. After a goal was called back for offside, they left no doubt in the 34′ when Rikke Madsen made a tackle and brilliant turn, only to make a somehow even better pass ahead to Tyler Lussi, who calmly streaked into the box and passed the ball into the back of the net. Lussi scored her second goal with the Courage and sixth of her career. Her teams remain undefeated in games in which she scores.
The first half was all Courage, but the NWSL leaders battled back in the second, putting a barrage of chances together. Casey Murphy made a lead-saving stop at the hour-mark, darting to the turf to snag a header attempt from Jordyn Huitema. The back line made several critical blocks on crosses and inserts, holding the Reign at bay to earn the clean sheet. This was the third clean sheet of the season for the Courage, matching the NWSL lead.
Match Notes:
Rikke Madsen notched her first NWSL point with her assist on the opening goal
The Courage have scored in six of seven games this season. Only Portland has scored in more games in 2023
The Courage attempted 540 passes, the highest total by any team in a single match this season.
Next Match: The Courage wrap up the four-match home stand next Saturday, May 20, when they host Angel City FC at 7:00 p.m. ET. The match will stream live on Paramount+, @TheNCCourage will provide updates on social media and tickets can be purchased here. Next week’s match will be the last chance to see the Courage at home for nearly a month.
Box Score:
NCC (4-3-3): Casey Murphy, Ryan Williams, Kaleigh Kurtz, Malia Berkely, Emily Fox, Denise O’Sullivan ©, Meredith Speck (Victoria Pickett, – 74′), Narumi, Kerolin Nicoli, Rikke Madsen (Olivia Wingate – 68′), Tyler Lussi
Subs Not Used: Katelyn Rowland, Brianna Pinto, Brittany Ratcliffe, Mille Gejl, Clara Robbins, Kiki Pickett, Frankie Tagliaferri
RGN (4-3-3): Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Lauren Barnes © (Ryanne Brown – 84′), Sam Hiatt, Alana Cook, Sofia Huerta, Jess Fishlock, Emily Sonnett, Megan Rapinoe, Bethany Balcer (Quinn – 58′), Veronica Latsko (Tziarra King – 75′), Jordyn…