{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65eb196f82e6910016356fa6/69fc009da3c5770dc909116a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Slow Starts & Hard Lessons","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/65eb196f82e6910016356fa6/1778122902871-7a824df5-2247-427f-b3ff-4ba60790243e.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The NC Courage picked up a draw in Boston and dropped 3 points at home to Kansas City. Trevor and Katie break down both results and look ahead to a road trip to Orlando.</p><p><br></p><h2>In This Episode</h2><h3>Looking Back: NC Courage vs Boston Legacy &amp; KC Current</h3><p>Two games, two slow starts, and too many goals conceded inside the first ten minutes. We break down the goals against Boston and Kansas City, what they reveal about the Courage's consistency challenges, the Feli Rauch red card that nobody in the stadium saw coming, and a few bright spots, including Chioma Okafor's growing impact, Lauren Thompson's electric cameo, and Manaka Matsukubo's knack for being in exactly the right place.</p><p><br></p><h3>Standout Stats</h3><p>Kansas City won the defensive battle in the first half with the Courage stabilizing in the second. We dig into what the numbers mean.</p><p><br></p><h3>Looking Ahead: Orlando Pride</h3><p>Orlando is hovering mid-table but don't let that fool you. With Barbara Banda, Marta, and Summer Yates all capable of scoring, they have threats everywhere on the pitch. We break down what the Courage need to watch out for and what a road win could do for their table position.</p><p><br></p><h3>Courage News</h3><p>Ashley Sanchez wins NWSL Player of the Month for April. Riley Jackson hits 50 consecutive caps, becoming the youngest Courage player and fourth youngest in league history to reach the mark. Avenue Capital Group investment clears, bringing serious new financing to the club.</p><p><br></p><h3>Around the League</h3><p>Ashley Sanchez wins NWSL Player of the Month for April. Riley Jackson hits 50 consecutive caps, becoming the youngest Courage player and fourth youngest in league history to reach the mark. Avenue Capital Group investment clears, bringing serious new financing to the club.</p><p><br></p><h2>About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast</h2><p>Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.</p><p><br></p><p>New episode drops every Thursday.</p><p><br></p><h2>Subscribe &amp; Follow</h2><p>Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at <a href=\"https://www.lionspitch.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">lionspitch.com</a>, follow us on Bluesky <a href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/lionspitch.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@lionspitch.bsky.social</a>, or on Instagram <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thelionspitch\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@thelionspitch</a></p><ul><li>Hosted by <a href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/featuringtrevor.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Trevor Knoblich</a> and <a href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/kt1986.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Katie Cleary</a></li><li>Produced by <a href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/marypruter.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Pruter</a></li><li>Edited by <a href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/likethe309.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Danielle Russell</a></li></ul>","author_name":"Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary"}