The Lion's Pitch

The NC Courage grind out a 1-0 win at Seattle Reign before the international break, snapping a three-game streak of one-goal losses. The Courage now sit above the playoff line in 8th. Trevor and Katie break down the full-team goal, the control the Courage showed, and the midfield gaps that still need cleaning up. Then they look ahead to a must-win rematch with San Diego Wave. Heads up: there is no episode next week; we'll be back after the San Diego match.In This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Seattle ReignGritty, controlled road wins are exactly what the Courage need in their arsenal. We break down the sequence from Ryan Williams and Erica Meg Parkinson's quick thinking on a throw-in to Gianna Paul's deflected finish. Plus, Ashley Sanchez's more central role and a defense that stepped forward instead of backward, and the midfield gaps Seattle still managed to expose.Standout StatsSeattle outshot the Courage 17 to 10 and put 5 shots on target to the Courage's 2, so how did we walk away with 3 points? We dig into what the numbers say, including the defensive actions from Ryan Williams, Uno Shiragaki, Feli Rauch, and Natalie Jacobs.Looking Ahead: San Diego WaveThe Courage host San Diego just weeks after a 2-1 loss out west. We break down why Riley Jackson's return matters, why we need to watch Trinity Byars and Melanie Barcenas, and how to make the San Diego goalkeeper work.Courage NewsRiley Jackson is called up to the USWNT U-23s. Erica Meg Parkinson is on yellow card watch. And come out to the Uproar tailgate on October 17 for a chili cook-off.Around the LeagueA quick playoff picture update: Gotham and San Diego clinched, Washington is on the verge, and a tight race for the remaining spots.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

The NC Courage fall 2-1 to Utah Royals despite a historic evening from Ashley Sanchez, who ties the NWSL single-season goal-scoring record. Trevor and Katie break down familiar midfield issues, celebrate a wave of international call-ups, and look ahead to a must win match against Seattle who sit right above us. A win would edge us back into the playoffs.In This EpisodeBreaking News: International Call-UpsAshley Sanchez, who has made it impossible to ignore her, earns her first USWNT call-up in two years, with Emma Hayes praising both her scoring and improved off-ball work. Erica Meg Parkinson gets a second senior call-up with England for playoff qualifiers against Greece after missing the U-23 World Cup, and Evelyn Ijeh is called up for Sweden. Later in the episode, we discuss the other exciting call-ups.What We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Utah RoyalsAshley Sanchez ties the NWSL all-time single-season goal-scoring record with her 20th goal. She's now quadrupled her former goal high. Riley Jackson returned to the lineup and played a planned 60 minutes. But the same issues that have plagued the team for weeks resurfaced once Jackson came off, leaving gaps in midfield that Utah exploited for their second goal. We also dig into the team's predictable attack down the left side toward Ashley Sanchez.Looking Ahead: Seattle ReignSeattle has won three of its last five matches, but doesn't score a ton of goals. We believe this is a winnable match, something we desperately need before heading into the international break. We break down Seattle's disruptive defensive identity and Sam Meza's yellow card situation. A win would put us above Seattle and back into the playoffs.Courage NewsInternational call-ups for Uno Shiragaki (Japan), Vilde Bøe Risa (Norway), and Kailen Sheridan and Carly Wickenheiser (Canada). We also discuss a couple of great videos the team has dropped, including a video profile with Hannah Betfort on anxiety and mental health, and a get-to-know video with Bia.Around the LeagueAtlanta's NWSL expansion team is officially named Atlanta City FC and will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A Defector report on the league's annual misconduct complaint disclosures raises questions about transparency. And Bay FC hires former Chelsea director Paul Green as their new Chief Football Officer.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

The NC Courage fall 2-1 to Gotham FC in a gritty, physical match at WakeMed, dropping to seventh in the table with just five matches left. Trevor and Katie break down a wonky midfield and a defense that keeps getting caught too far forward. Then they look ahead to a road trip against the Utah Royals, on the wrong side of their win-loss-win-loss pattern lately. But they're missing two starters, so can we break that?In This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Gotham FCThe eighth-minute Gotham goal that kicked off the match came from Sam Kerr drawing five defenders before finding Jordynn Dudley wide open. We break down the center back over-commitment that keeps leaving space behind, why the midfield trio of Erica Meg Parkinson, Shinomi Koyama, and Vilde Bøe Risa looks technically brilliant but structurally loose, and a predictable substitution pattern. Plus, Gianna Paul's first start and what it revealed about the ongoing search for answers at right wing.Looking Ahead: Utah RoyalsUtah will be missing two starters to red card suspensions from their match against Angel City. They've been stuck in an alternating win-loss pattern for five straight matches. We break down former Courage midfielder Narumi Miura's growing influence in central midfield and why Trevor and Katie both see this as a genuinely winnable match at the right time. But please, let's minimize the opponent's corner kicks.Courage NewsA September sellout at WakeMed, the second-largest crowd in club history, with Courage legend Sam Mewis in attendance. Shinomi Koyama hits 50 NWSL regular-season appearances. Ryan Williams celebrated for reaching 10,000 career minutes, all with the Courage. And the Courage hosted a Unified match with Special Olympics North Carolina, headlined by community ambassador Riley Jackson.Around the LeagueGotham becomes the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot. Vlatko Andonovski is announced as Chicago's new sporting director, reuniting him with longtime youth coach connections at the club as speculation builds about what a rebuild there could look like.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

The NC Courage fall 1-2 in San Diego in a top-five showdown, but Trevor and Katie see real signs to build on as they head into a home match against shield leaders Gotham FC. Plus, exciting roster news at the trade.In This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. San Diego WaveA tight, evenly matched game that came down to the midfield battle. San Diego overloaded the middle early and dictated tempo, and the Courage are still searching for answers when teams play how we want to play. We break down the Riley Jackson-sized hole in the midfield, why Uno Shiragaki and Natalia Staude have swapped sides at center back the last two games, and Mak Lind's willingness to pull defenders for attackers when chasing a result.Standout StatsThe Courage outshot San Diego 13 to 9 and had more shots on target, but the Wave were far more clinical in front of goal. We dig into what that efficiency gap says about both teams.Looking Ahead: Gotham FCThe Shield leaders come to WakeMed with the league's stingiest defense, just 18 goals allowed all season. We break down how Gotham lulls teams into complacency before striking on the counter. We discuss why Erica Meg Parkinson and Evelyn Ijeh could be the keys to breaking them down centrally, and whether Ashley Sanchez ties (or surpasses) the NWSL single-season goal record at home this weekend.Courage NewsAshley Sanchez sits at 19 goals, one off tying Temwa Chawinga's NWSL single-season record. Maycee Bell is placed on the season-ending injury list. The Courage acquire forward Gianna Paul from Kansas City Current for $150,000.Around the LeagueHouston fires Fabrice Gautrat. Chicago is officially eliminated from playoff contention. San Diego Wave's Cat Macario is placed on the season-ending injury list.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

Trevor is back! Just in time to see the NC Courage set the NWSL record for the largest margin of victory with a 6-0 demolition of Chicago Stars. Ashley Sanchez becomes the league's all-time leading American goal scorer. Katie and Trevor break down a historic weekend before looking ahead to a huge road test against San Diego Wave.In This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Chicago StarsSix different things went right in this one. Ashley Sanchez's hat trick pushed her past Crystal Dunn and Alex Morgan as the league's all-time leading American goal scorer. First career goals from Chioma Okafor and Ryan Williams, plus a goal from Shinomi Koyama, meant five different scorers contributed to the drubbing. We break down how the buildup has shifted to the left side with Feli Rauch and Sanchez, and why the goals are finally coming from all over the field instead of just two players.Standout StatsThis was the largest shutout win and biggest margin of victory in NWSL history. Ashley Sanchez's 18 goals make her the league's all-time leading American scorer, with a couple more to catch up with Temwa Chawinga's all-time record. The Courage also outperformed a 5.28 expected goals mark, a rare feat that speaks to how clinical this team was in front of goal.Looking Ahead: San Diego WaveThe Courage hit the road against a San Diego side they're now tied with in points. We break down Trinity Byars' breakout season, Kennedy Wesley's passing ability out of the back, and why this game could come down to whether the Courage can keep building through the middle instead of relying purely on the wings.Courage NewsAshley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh both named to the NWSL's August Best XI. Sanchez wins Player of the Month, and Mak Lind wins Coach of the Month. The Courage sign Brazilian forward Bia Gomes through the 2027 season and acquire an additional international roster spot from Seattle.Around the LeagueVlatko Andonovski departs Kansas City. Jameese Joseph leaves Chicago for Utah, adding more firepower to an already dangerous playoff contender.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

The NC Courage go 2-1 in a three-game week, beating Boston Legacy and Angel City FC before falling short in a comeback against Kansas City Current. Bill Nottingham joins Katie while Trevor remains out on paternity leave.This week we're joined again by Bill Nottingham. You can find him on Bluesky at @notting.bsky.social, and his writing at splat.ccIn This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Angel City FC & Kansas City CurrentSix out of nine points from a brutal three games in eight days, capped by a gutsy comeback attempt in Kansas City. We break down the fight this team continues to show and the tactical adjustments that led Mak Lind to pull out all his CBs against Kansas City. We discuss how Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh have started combining directly and may just be the most prolific pair in NC Courage history.Standout StatsRiley Jackson led the team in chances created against Kansas City in only 22 minutes of playing time. Erica Meg Parkinson has drawn the third most fouls on the team in just nine appearances. And Sanchez set a new club record with 15 goals this season, tying the NWSL record for most goals by an American player in a season (Alex Morgan & Crystal Dunn). Combined with Ijeh's 11 goals, the duo sits at 26 goals for the year, tying the NWSL single-season record for a pair of teammates.Looking Ahead: Chicago StarsChicago has struggled to find an identity all season under a rotating cast of coaches. We break down what a healthy but disorganized Stars squad brings to the table. Can the Courage take this opportunity to rack up goals or will they get caught playing down to their opponent... again. And with Erica Meg gone for the U-20 World Cup, who willl fill her boots?Courage NewsLayla Drury replaces Lauryn Thompson in England's U-20 World Cup squad after Thompson continues rehabbing an injury. Ryan Williams becomes the 20th player in NWSL history to reach 10,000 career minutes, all with the Courage. Maycee Bell made her 50th NWSL regular season appearance. Vilde Bøe Risa got her first start. And Kailen Sheridan recorded her second career assist, the most of any goalkeeper in the league.Around the LeagueOrlando parts ways with head coach Seb Hines, effective immediately, with assistant Yolanda Thomas stepping in as interim. Bay FC extends Cristiana Girelli's loan from Juventus through June 2027. Manchester United closes in on a deal for Rebeca Bernal from Washington Spirit. And the league announces a new deal with Roku Sports Channel following the collapse of the Victory Plus partnership.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russel

The NC Courage grind out a 2-1 win over Boston Legacy, capped by a stoppage-time penalty from Ashley Sanchez, the latest in NWSL history. She now sits atop the Golden Boot race. Plus, we sit down for a really fun conversation with forward Ally Schlegel. Since we record on Mondays and the pod drops Thursdays, we'll cover Wednesday's Angel City match next episode.Victoria returns to the pod on cohost duties while Trevor continues to enjoy paternity leave. You can find Victoria at Victoria Klum Media across socials and on Bluesky at @vicster.netIn This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Boston LegacyLevel at stoppage time, the Courage refused to settle for a point. We break down the buildup to Ashley Sanchez's opener and late excitement. Plus, we discuss the growing trust between this team and Mak Lind that keeps showing up in the biggest moments.Interview: Ally SchlegelWe sit down with forward Ally Schlegel to talk about her winding path through multiple positions, the intentional decision-making process that led her to sign with the Courage as a free agent, and how she's found her stick as a glue player on a young roster. Plus, we get to know her a little better off the pitch, including her love of fly fishing and her 15 year old lucky bandana.Standout StatsAshley Sanchez's stoppage time penalty in the 90+17 is officially the latest regulation goal in NWSL history, and gives her the lead in the Golden Boot race. She's scored nine goals at home this season, the most by any Courage player in a single regular season. We dig into what those numbers mean as she closes in on the single season club scoring record.Looking Ahead: Kansas City CurrentThe Courage close out their final three game week of the season with a trip to Kansas City. We break down what a healthier Current squad brings to the table, including the possibility of Temwa Chawinga returning to the lineup. We cover why managing transition moments will be the key to getting a result.Courage NewsFeli Rauch played her 50th regular season match for the Courage. Ryan Williams ties Casey Murphy for third all time in starts with 108. Plus a very important update on Nicholas' battle with the WakeMed sprinklers.Around the LeagueEsther González signs with the Saudi league after mutually terminating her Gotham contract just weeks after stepping away to handle personal matters. Tobin Heath gets her long awaited farewell celebration with the Portland Thorns. Finally, the trade deadline looms on September 15th, will we see teams making moves with how tight the season has become?About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

The NC Courage lose 2-3 to Houston Dash. Katie is joined by guest Victoria Klum this week while Trevor remains out on paternity leave. Plus a great conversation with forward Evelyn Ijeh, who just recorded her third straight game with a goal.You can find Victoria at Victoria Klum Media across socials and on Bluesky at @vicster.netIn This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Houston DashThe Courage lost Natalie Jacobs to a concussion early in the match, and came out flat off the high of last week's comeback win. We break down what losing Jacobs means for the back line and why the team's resilience and leadership continue to stand out, even in a loss. Plus, the growing chemistry in a midfield trio that's quickly become one of the best units on the roster.Interview: Evelyn IjehWe sit down with forward Evelyn Ijeh to talk about her move from AC Milan, including the adjustment to a new city, league, and culture. We discuss her fast-growing partnership with Ashley Sanchez and Ally Schlegel up top and what fans should know about her game. Then we get to know her a little better off the pitch, including her love of journaling and drawing as a creative outlet away from soccer.Standout StatsRyan Williams tied Kaleigh Kurtz for second all-time in Courage appearances with 132. Ashley Sanchez crossed 10,000 career NWSL minutes, with more of those minutes now coming as a Courage player than anywhere else. With Ijeh's 10th goal of the season, she and Sanchez became just the third pair of teammates in club history to both reach double-digit goals in a single season, joining Jessica McDonald and Lynn Biyendolo (née Williams) in 2016 and Debinha and Diana Ordóñez in 2022. We dig into what the numbers say about a team that's finally spreading the goals around.Looking Ahead: Boston LegacyCasey Murphy and Bianca St-Georges return to Cary for the first time since leaving in the offseason. We break down Boston's unconventional back three and where the Courage can find their opportunities in the middle of the park.Looking Ahead: Angel City FCAngel City comes to WakeMed for Pride Night with the return of Sydney Leroux and a back line that's proven difficult to break down all season. We break down where the Courage might be able to create chaos in the box and why staying disciplined defensively will be as important as scoring.Courage NewsCameron Brooks is nominated for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her partnership with the Bair Foundation, supporting foster care and family services. Voting is open now.Around the LeagueSydney Leroux returns to Angel City after stepping away for a mental health break. Chicago fires their head coach and brings back Lorne Donaldson in an executive role.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell

The NC Courage go 3-0-0 in a three-game week, beating Denver 2-0 on the road and pulling off a thrilling 4-3 comeback win at Washington with a stoppage-time Natalie Jacobs winner. Katie is joined by Aaron once again while Trevor is out on paternity leave, and they break down a team that finally seems to have found its identity.This week we're also joined by Aaron Rogoff. You can find him on Bluesky at @aaronrogoff.bluesky.socialIn This EpisodeWhat We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Denver Summit FC & Washington SpiritSix goals across two matches with a team that's finally clicking. The high press has been ferocious, forcing turnovers from both Denver and Washington and building at least four of the six goals from the chaos it created. The midfield trio of Riley Jackson, Shinomi Koyama, and Erica Meg Parkinson continues to grow into their roles, Natalie Jacobs' return has stabilized the back line and brought real leadership, and the fluidity across the whole team completes the team. We break down every goal, including Katie and Aaron's favorites, and dig into lingering concerns about set-piece defending and second-half substitution patterns.Standout StatsThe Courage became just the second team in NWSL history to overcome a multi-goal deficit late and still win, storming back from down 3-2 to beat Washington. Shinomi Koyama's assist against Washington was her fifth of the season, with Aaron predicting she reaches double digits by year's end. That and more covered in this episode.Looking Ahead: Houston DashThe Courage get eight days of rest before a Sunday match against Houston. We break down Houston's evolving attack, the Kiki Van Zanten and Kat Rader threat up top, and why continuing to build through midfield rather than relying purely on the press will be the next step in this team's evolution.Courage NewsEvelyn Ijeh named to the NWSL Team of the Month for July. Lauren Thompson and Erica Meg Parkinson were called up to England's U-20 pre-camp and have since withdrawn, likely a sign their roster spots for the actual World Cup squad are already secured. Every Courage home match in July drew at least 7,000 fans, a club first for the summer months.Around the LeagueMeredith Speck signs with Gotham FC after Emily Sonnett's season-ending injury, reuniting her with Denise O'Sullivan. Jenna Nighswonger officially joins Bay FC, marking her return to the NWSL after a difficult spell at Arsenal.About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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.New episode drops every Thursday.Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitchHosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell