Main Takeaways

The North Carolina Courage came up short at home on Sunday against the Houston Dash after an exciting game that saw seven goals. Despite being level at half-time, a quick three goals for the Dash at the start of the second half were one too many for North Carolina, as they ultimately fell 4-3. 

Game Recap

North Carolina lined up with the same starting XI that took the field against Racing Louisville FC and the Washington Spirit in Weeks 6 and 7, respectively. And just like last week, they opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Denise O’Sullivan controlled a deflection off a Houston defender and buried a shot from distance:

Maria Sánchez and the Houston Dash erased the deficit in the 15th minute, but the Courage attack was more dangerous through the first 45 minutes and the defense held on to end the half with the score knotted up. North Carolina recorded more shots (7) and shots on goal (4), and also edged the Dash out on possession (54%) in the first half of play. 

The second half was an entirely different story. A handful of defensive lapses saw the Courage facing a three goal deficit after just seven minutes. Houston’s Elizabeth Eddy scored in the 47th and 50th minute, and then Nichelle Prince iced the scoring for the Dash in the 51st minute.

North Carolina’s attack joined the party shortly after, with Diana Ordoñez netting another goal against the Dash in the 57th minute. 

Carson Pickett played a perfect ball across the field to Ordoñez’s feet, who beat her defender and ultimately megged Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell. The goal was her third of the season, and second against Houston.

Then, Debinha pulled the Courage within one goal just two minutes later after some of her signature footwork in the box: 

The North Carolina attack continued to be dangerous after Debinha’s goal, but they couldn’t put one away. They ended the match with nearly double Houston’s expected goals value, despite conceding all three points.

Though the Courage fell to 2W-1D-4L on the season, it’s important to mention that this was their third-straight three-goal performance. The team had only ever scored three or more goals twice in their previous 25 regular season matches. What’s more is that despite their bleak record, the Courage are still averaging one point/game, which puts them right in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the league.

Following the game, North Carolina celebrated Jaelene Daniels' and Carson Pickett’s 100th NWSL appearances. Daniels earned her 100th appearance against Angel City FC on April 29, and has since notched six more appearances. Carson Pickett recorded her 100th appearance against her former team, the Orlando Pride, on May 18. 

In her first season with the Courage last year, Pickett started 24 times, recorded five assists, and earned a spot on the 2021 NWSL Best XI. She’s brought this excellence into 2022, as her play so far this season has also earned her a call-up to the USWNT for a pair of friendlies against Colombia on June 25 and 28. 

Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy, who played in her 50th regular season match on Sunday, has also earned a spot on the USWNT for the June friendlies as well as the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship as the United States looks to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Following the NWSL’s international break, the Courage will travel to Seattle to take on the OL Reign on July 1 at 10:00p.m. EST.