Key Transactions
The Courage had a busy offseason with a number of key players having departed the side, including USWNT players Samantha Mewis, Lynn Williams and Jessica McDonald. In an effort to reload, North Carolina acquired young prospects Kiki Pickett and Brianna Pinto, while trading for Katelyn Rowland in what serves as her return to the side after being dealt to Kansas City a year ago.
Recent Form
The Courage currently sit atop the East Division of the NWSL Challenge Cup, the lone side to record a victory in the division opening weekend with the Pride drawing against Washington. North Carolina comes into 2022 having finished sixth in the NWSL standings a year ago after winning back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Who’s Hot
Pinto and Abby Erceg each got on the scoresheet last weekend for the Courage to start Challenge Cup play, with Pinto’s finish serving as the game-winner against her former Club in NJ/NY Gotham FC. Former Pride defender Carson Pickett earned an assist on Pinto’s game-winner, while newcomer Malia Berkely earned the assist on Erceg’s insurance goal in the second half.
Head-to-Head
The Pride are unbeaten in their last four visits to WakeMed Soccer Park dating back to the 2020 Fall Series, taking a 1-0-3 record in those contests. The side took a scoreless draw from their last season in Challenge Cup play, with former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris posting three saves in the match.
Rasmussen University Fun Fact
Though acquired from San Diego Wave FC, Pride midfielder Angharad James last featured in NWSL action before last weekend’s Challenge Cup opener for the North Carolina Courage, where she played for one season before coming to Orlando. James made 17 appearances for the Courage in 2021, scoring her first NWSL goal on Sept. 25 against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
