Women’s Soccer Powerhouse: North Carolina Courage in 2023

In the 2022 season, the Courage had a tough start, ending up in last position after winning just two out of their first 12 matches, losing six, and drawing four. Although they made a comeback in the second half of the season with seven wins, two losses, and one draw in their final ten matches, it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot. Ultimately, the Courage finished in 7th place, falling one point behind the Chicago Red Stars and missing the playoffs for the first time in their history.

Mistakes were made last term, but the comeback in 2023 has been real! 

Build Back Better 

The Courage’s last playoff match occurred in 2019, coinciding with their victory in the NWSL Championship. Since then, significant changes have taken place within the club. 

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, a sexual misconduct scandal involving former coach Paul Riley unfolded, resulting in his termination in 2021 and subsequent banishment from the NWSL. This prompted the club to undergo a cultural transformation. Although the Courage encouraged those who remained, numerous notable players had already departed through free agency or trades. 

Key figures from the team’s championship-winning squads, such as Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis, were no longer part of the roster. As the team entered its second season under the guidance of coach Nahas, the Courage made substantial changes to their lineup, incorporating younger players. 

These newcomers adapted well to the team’s style and surpassed all expectations. The Courage emerged victorious in the Challenge Cup and secured third place in the NWSL standings, briefly leading the table throughout the summer. 

The fans also demonstrated their support. In their final home game against San Diego on October 9, the Courage sold out their stadium for the first time in their regular season history, attracting 10,434 attendees.

Dominant On Route to the Playoffs 

On October 15, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams, the North Carolina Courage and the Washington Spirit, faced each other at Audi Field in the US capital. 

Unfortunately for the Washington Spirit, they lost 1-0, missing out on the playoffs. Similar to their previous encounter in July, where the Washington Spirit suffered a 6-0 loss to North Carolina, this match held a sense of redemption for them as they played on their home turf. Both teams entered the game with thirty points. 

From a betting perspective, oddsmakers doubted the Courage despite a remarkable comeback season. The underdogs sat with +170 odds on North Carolina betting apps but went on to thrive under the doubter’s watchful eye in a memorable 90-minute meeting. 

The game was eventful, marked by various injuries and a red card. In the first half, the North Carolina Courage demonstrated their offensive prowess with Manaka and Kerolin working together on the right side of the field. For the capital team, the absence of Rodman was immediately noticeable following a red card, as Tyler Lussi scored the sole goal for North Carolina just minutes after Rodman left the pitch. This goal sealed the final score at 1-0.

NWSL Quarter-Final Playoff vs. Gotham FC 

The match between North Carolina and Gotham is scheduled for Sunday, October 22nd, at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. CBS Sports Network will broadcast the game. Both Gotham and Courage have experienced significant transformations in 2023. 

In the previous season, neither team made it to the playoffs. North Carolina finished the season in seventh place, falling short by only one point, while Gotham ended up in last place.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Sean Nahas, North Carolina has displayed a significant shift in their style of play, controlling possession for an impressive 60% of the time throughout the season. This marks a departure from the Cary-based club’s reputation for high-powered transitional soccer, as they had been the dominant team in the league from 2016 to 2019. 

Although the Courage’s offseason may have appeared disappointing on the surface due to the departure of key players such as midfielder Debinha, forward Diana Ordoñez, and defender Abby Erceg, their new approach has proven fruitful. A standout performer for the team this season has been Brazilian forward Kerolin, who has had an outstanding campaign, scoring an impressive ten goals and providing three assists. Additionally, Kerolin has recorded the league’s second-highest cumulative xG (expected goals), further highlighting her impact on the team’s success.

In conclusion

In 2022, the North Carolina Courage faced a challenging season, missing the playoffs for the first time in their history. However, 2023 marked a remarkable comeback for the team. Despite significant changes and departures in the wake of a sexual misconduct scandal and the COVID-19 outbreak, the Courage’s cultural transformation and infusion of younger talent paid off. They secured victories in the Challenge Cup and clinched third place in the NWSL standings.

The fans showed their unwavering support with a sold-out stadium in their final home game. Their impressive journey continued as they triumphed over the Washington Spirit in a crucial match, defying odds and securing a spot in the playoffs. The Courage’s evolution under Head Coach Sean Nahas, emphasizing possession, has been a key factor in their resurgence.

As they prepare for the NWSL Quarter-Final Playoff against Gotham FC, the Courage are proving that their new approach, led by standout performer Kerolin, is yielding positive results. Despite offseason departures, they have found success and are poised to make a strong playoff run. The Courage’s 2023 season has been a testament to their resilience and determination to reclaim their status as a women’s soccer powerhouse.

Featured image via @thenccourage on Instagram

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