Courage fall 2-1 to Utah, facing Seattle tomorrow

Plus: Ashley Sanchez makes NWSL history AND receives USWNT call-up in the same week

Hello Courage Country! 

We have a lot to cover this week and we’re going to jump right in. Four games left – are you sweating yet?

What we learned: Courage v. Utah Royals

The issues remain the issues

Utah took advantage of persistent issues with the Courage, earning both goals in illustrative examples of ongoing challenges.

Feeling pressure from an aggressive press, Uno Shiragaki made a bad pass forward, which was picked up by Utah midfielder Madison Hammond, who passed to star midfielder Mina Tanaka. Right back Miyabi Moriya ran forward to help, and a quick cross to Cloé Lacasse resulted in Utah’s first goal at just 17’. Easy giveaways, especially in response to a heavy press, have been a challenge all season.

Utah’s second goal highlighted how gaps in the midfield and challenges marking players defensively can leave the Courage vulnerable. Tanaka was left with plenty of space in the midfield, and made a nice pass to Cece Delzer, without a defender nearby to disrupt her run.

On the attacking side for the Courage, Utah’s ability to break up passes meant the Courage had difficulty getting the ball to their forwards, especially through the midfield. The Courage did try to drive to the right-hand side more than in previous weeks, but often tried to force crosses to Ashley Sanchez, who was well-defended by Miyabi.

Ashley Sanchez makes NWSL history

At some point this season, it seemed inevitable that Ashley Sanchez would score 20 goals, tying Temwa Chawinga’s league record. This week, it came to fruition. After Gianna Paul received an outstanding pass from Ryan Williams, Paul drew a foul in the box, earning a penalty kick at 37’.

Though midfielder Riley Jackson typically takes penalty kicks, Sanchez stepped up and put a clean shot past Mandy McGlynn. It equalized the match, and made NWSL history to boot.

One more goal and Sanchez will own the all-time scoring record, a good enough reason by itself to tune in for the rest of the season.

Injury progress

Jackson made her first appearance in a month, playing roughly 60 minutes against Utah, which head coach Mak Lind said was the plan from the beginning as she works back toward full-time play.

Center back Natalie Jacobs was listed as questionable for the match, though ultimately not rostered. Still, the listing gave fans some hope of seeing her return before the end of the season.

Look ahead: Courage v. Seattle Reign

With four matches remaining in the regular season, and the Courage sitting just below the playoff line, wins are a must to keep playoff hopes alive. Seattle is a strong contender for picking up 3 points on the road. The Courage posted a 3-1 victory on July 4th in their match at home. 

Seattle has won 3 of their last 5 matches, climbing over the Courage to sit at 8th on the table.

Maddie Mercado leads Seattle in scoring with 8 goals. That said, Seattle doesn’t put up many goals, notching third fewest in the NWSL. If the Courage can get back into their high-scoring form, and not get flustered by takeaways, they’ll have a shot at winning, keeping their playoffs hopes afloat.

Courage news and updates

Around the league and beyond

  • The Atlanta Expansion team unveiled their branding and team name, which will be Atlanta City FC. The team will go by ATL CTY since Angel City is ACFC (ATL CTY rolls right off the tongue for a podcast!)
  • Ex-Chelsea Director Paul Green was named Bay FC’s new Chief Football Officer. Green worked with Emma Hayes of the USWNT during her tenure at Chelsea.

That’s it for this week! As always, you can get in touch with tips, suggestions, corrections and more: contact@lionspitch.com.

Next match: Friday, October 2, 10:00 pm ET

North Carolina Courage v. Seattle Reign

Away

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