{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65eb196f82e6910016356fa6/6a20cee15ef62e6e7e9e81c8?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Blow the Whistle","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/65eb196f82e6910016356fa6/1780535003475-d043d184-e353-4b66-a3f7-dff0e6b68e58.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The NC Courage close out the first half of the season with a nervy 2-1 win at Angel City, making it three wins in a row for the first time in season since 2024. Trevor and Katie break down two beautiful team goals, celebrate some big international call-ups, and look way ahead to Seattle after the June break.</p><p><br></p><h2>In This Episode</h2><h3>Looking Back: NC Courage vs Angel City FC</h3><p>Two beautiful goals from Evelyn Ijeh and Manaka Matsukubo, both built on brilliant work from Ashley Sanchez, who arguably deserved the player of the match award herself. We break down Angel City's right-side strategy, Dani Weatherholt's quietly outstanding defensive performance, and Kailen Sheridan's late heroics that sealed the three points.</p><p><br></p><h3>Standout Stats</h3><p>Angel City ended the match with 37 touches in the box compared to the Courage's 17, and took 59% possession in the second half. We dig into what those numbers mean.</p><p><br></p><h3>Looking Ahead: Seattle Reign</h3><p>After a four-week break the Courage return home to face Seattle on July 4th. Seattle is hard to pin down because of a stingy defense and inconsistent front line. We break down what to expect and why this match will be one of the best tests of the Courage's progress this season.</p><p><br></p><h3>Courage News</h3><p>Riley Jackson, Evelyn Ijeh, Kailen Sheridan, Manaka Matsukubo and Carly Wickenheiser are called up to their respective senior national teams. Lauren Thompson is called up to the England U-20s. Sydney Schmidt tore her ACL in training and is placed on the SEI list. Plus, catch Cameron Brooks on the Women's Soccer Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-womens-soccer-podcast/2852306/</p><p><br></p><h3>Around the League</h3><p>No team is secure at the top of the table with the Courage just seven points behind the number one spot with a game (or in some instances, two) in hand. Anything can still happen in the second half of the season.</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"}