North Wake News

The North Carolina Courage concluded their 2024 season with a narrow 1-0 defeat against the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Quarterfinals. The match took place at CPKC Stadium, where an early goal from Temwa Chawinga secured victory for the home team.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Chawinga capitalized on a loose ball after a save by Casey Murphy. Despite North Carolina's efforts to level the score, they were unable to find an equalizer throughout the match.

The game saw Kansas City taking eight of the first nine shots. However, as time progressed, North Carolina managed to outshoot their opponents but could not convert these opportunities into goals. The Courage dominated possession with 65% and achieved an 85% passing accuracy rate. Kansas City had three significant chances compared to two for North Carolina.

North Carolina's best opportunity came in the 25th minute when Kerolin's cross found Aline Gomes, whose shot narrowly missed the far post. Another chance arose when Feli Rauch set up Kerolin, but her attempt was thwarted by Kansas City's goalkeeper.

Kaleigh Kurtz made a crucial defensive play in the second half with a perfectly timed slide tackle that prevented another breakaway by Chawinga. Despite further attempts from Ashley Sanchez and Narumi Miura, North Carolina couldn't breach Kansas City's defense.

As time expired, North Carolina continued their pursuit of an equalizer but failed to create any threatening chances during stoppage time.

North Carolina fielded a lineup featuring Casey Murphy, Felicitas Rauch, Malia Berkely, Kaleigh Kurtz, Ryan Williams, Narumi Miura, Ashley Sanchez, Denise O’Sullivan (captain), Aline Gomes, Manaka Matsukubo, and Kerolin.

Kansas City's lineup included Almuth Schult; Ellis Wheeler; Kayla Sharples; Alana Cook; Hailie Mace; Claire Hutton; Lo’eau LaBonta (captain); Michelle Cooper; Temwa Chawinga; Debinha; and Vanessa DiBernardo.

The match ended with no ejections and several cautions issued to both teams' players: D. O’Sullivan and B. St-Georges for North Carolina and L. LaBonta and E. Wheeler for Kansas City.