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The Lion's Pitch
Courage Clinch A Playoff Spot
The North Carolina Courage beat the San Diego Wave. With this win, NC Courage clinched a playoff spot in front of the largest crowd of the season. They introduced a new front line with Kerolin back in the mix. We get goals from Aline Gomes, her first, and Manaka, who is fresh off the U20 Women's World Cup.
We look ahead to Angel City FC at home on Saturday, followed by Courage and NWSL news and updates. Malia Berkley makes it to the Best XI, and Lauren Holiday is expected to play an "active role" with the NC Courage if the sale deal goes through.
The NC Courage win 2-1 against the San Diego Wave.
We discuss all things North Carolina Courage each week. Trevor and Katie will break down each match and discuss what to expect from upcoming opponents. We’ll even have bonus episodes with interviews and other surprises along the way.
We’re looking forward to an exciting 2024 NWSL season with a reformulated Courage squad and two NEW expansion teams to face, so you won’t want to miss an episode. New content is released each Thursday.
Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.
- Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
- Produced by Mary Pruter
- Edited by Danielle Russell
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12. Two Goals, Too Many Mistakes
33:46||Season 2, Ep. 12The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.In this week’s episode:Looking Back – It’s a rough road trip for the Courage as they fall 5–2 to the San Diego Wave. Katie and Trevor break down a match that started with promise — including a well-executed early goal from Feli and a brilliant equalizer from Manaka — before unraveling under San Diego’s relentless pressure and costly Courage errors.Standout Stats – The numbers tell a strange story: the Courage actually outshot San Diego and edged them in expected goals (1.8 to 1.6). So how did this one end in a three-goal loss?Looking Ahead – We preview the matchup against the Washington Spirit, a team in transition after their coach’s impending departure to Lyon. Can the Courage bounce back against an opponent showing signs of instability — and inconsistency — despite sitting higher on the table?Courage News – Manaka takes home Player of the Week honors, Shaw and Jackson shine in U23 national team duty, and the Courage sign keeper Katie Cappelletti after her training stint with the squad. We also talk about yellow card reductions and what it means for Bell, Shaw, and others.Around the League – Big headlines out of Washington with a midseason coaching move. Plus, updates on the U.S. Women’s National Team, player call-ups.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!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 Russell11. A Must-Win Win
42:41||Season 2, Ep. 11The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.In this week’s episode:Looking Back – The Courage are back in the win column with a convincing 2–0 victory over the Chicago Stars at home. Manaka steals the show with her first two goals of the season — and even more memorable celebrations. We break down what clicked for the team.Standout Stats – It wasn’t just about the scoreboard. We dig into the rest of the numbers.Looking Ahead – San Diego Wave awaits. It’s a tough road trip, and we preview how the Courage stack up against one of the league’s most physical sides — and what history tells us about this matchup.Courage News – Hensley Hancuff announced her retirement.Around the League – We’ve got the latest updates and storylines you need to know from across the NWSL.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!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 Russell10. Trust The Process
39:40||Season 2, Ep. 10The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.In this week’s episode:Looking Back – A gut-punch at the death. The Courage settle for a 1–1 draw after Orlando Pride equalizes in stoppage time. But there’s still plenty to be proud of, as the team takes four points off the league’s top two over the last few weeks. We unpack the performance and what it says about this squad’s resilience.Standout Stats – One number in particular tells the story of the Courage’s growth — and just how comfortable this team has become without the ball.Looking Ahead – Chaos incoming. The Chicago Stars come to town next week, and while they’ve been struggling, they’re unpredictable. We break down what to expect and how the Courage can stay in control.Courage News – Trevor shares two big takeaways from the press conference with the new Chief Soccer Officer, Dr. Ceri Bowley.Around the League – The latest storylines from across the NWSL, from on-field drama to off-field developments.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!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 Russell9. Jess McDonald: Courage & Beyond
01:02:35||Season 2, Ep. 9The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.In this week’s episode:Look Back – A statement win in Utah. The Courage earn their second straight victory — and their first first-half goals of the season — with a confident 0–2 performance over the Royals. We break down how the team looked in control from start to finish, and what this game tells us about the squad’s growing cohesion.Standout Stats – We highlight four key stats that defined the Courage’s dominance in Utah and what they reveal about the team’s shifting identity.Looking Ahead – Next up: Orlando at home. The Pride may be one of the league’s top teams, but they’re in a slump — and the Courage are heating up. Can we capitalize on the momentum?Mic'd Up – Jess McDonald joins the show! The World Cup winner, Courage legend, and two-time NCAA champion reflects on her storied career, her time in North Carolina, and where she sees the league heading next.Courage News – A new era begins. The club names Dr. Ceri Bowley as Chief Soccer Officer, replacing longtime exec Curt Johnson. What does this move signal for the future of the club?Around the League – Supporters groups across the NWSL unite behind the “Trans People Belong” campaign. Plus, other headlines from around the league.Follow Jess McDonald on Instagram: @jmac1422Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!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 Russell8. Turning The Tide
01:05:12||Season 2, Ep. 8The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.In this week’s episode:Look Back – Special guest Aaron Rogoff joins the show for a deeper tactical dive into the Courage’s first win of the season — a 3–2 stunner over league-leading KC Current. We break down the comeback, late heroics from defenders Kaleigh Kurtz and Ryan Williams, and what Ashley Sanchez’s goal means for the attack.Standout Stats – The numbers behind the win tell a story of grit and precision. We dig into the data that defined this game.Looking Ahead – With momentum finally on their side, can the Courage replicate this kind of performance against the Utah Royals? Or do we risk falling back into old patterns? Aaron helps us assess the matchup.Courage News – A big off-the-field win: Lauren and Jrue Holiday invest in the Courage. We unpack what that means for the club’s future.Around the League – The NWSL has officially submitted an application to launch a Division 2 league. We break down what this could mean for the women’s game in the U.S.Follow Aaron on Bluesky: @aaronrogoff.bsky.socialWelcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!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 Russell7. Bottom of the Table
45:11||Season 2, Ep. 7The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.In this week’s episode:Look Back – We break down the 0–1 home loss to Bay FC. Is it time to stick with a consistent starting XI, or do the Courage need to keep experimenting? We get into it.Standout Stats – The numbers paint a story beyond the scoreboard. We zoom out and talk about what they reveal about the Courage’s season trajectory so far.Looking Ahead – A tough road test awaits in KC. We preview the matchup against the Current, revisit last year’s showdowns, and dig into how both teams are shaping up.Courage News – Attendance continues to climb — a sign that the momentum from late last season is sticking.Around the League – We round things out with the biggest headlines and stories from across the NWSL.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell6. Returning Road Woes
45:41||Season 2, Ep. 6The Lion’s Pitch is your weekly deep dive into all things NC Courage! Hosted by Katie and Trevor, each episode brings you the latest on the Courage’s matches, standout stats, and the biggest stories from around the NWSL.In this week’s episode:Looking Back: We break down the 3-1 loss to Gotham — what went wrong, what we can learn, and why the performances off the bench (plus that gorgeous Brianna Pinto goal) give us hope moving forward.Looking Ahead: Bay FC comes to town as the Courage return home hunting for their first win of the season. With both teams leaning into possession-heavy styles, we look at how the midfield battle could decide it all.Courage News: Shoutout to Ryan Williams for making the NWSL's March Best XI! And we chat about Jaedyn Shaw’s appearance on Sam Mewis' show — a great spotlight on one of our rising stars.Around the League: We talk about the Unwell FC piece that’s making waves, the buzz around a potential Denver expansion, and more headlines from around the NWSL.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell5. Goal Posts & Crossbar
46:34||Season 2, Ep. 5The Lion’s Pitch is your weekly deep dive into all things NC Courage! Hosted by Katie and Trevor, each episode brings you the latest on the Courage’s matches, stats, and news from around the NWSL.In this week’s episode:Looking Back: We review the 0-0 draw away at Portland. While the scoreline may not scream excitement, we break down why this was the best performance of the season so far for the Courage.Stand-Out Stat: We highlight the key stat that made this Portland game stand out!Looking Ahead: With the international break coming up this weekend, we preview the upcoming game against Gotham. We’re expecting a high-scoring match for the Courage post-break, and we think they'll be ready to take home the win.Courage News & News Around the League: We discuss the newly designed mascot, Roary. What do you think—love it or leave it? Plus, all the latest happenings in the NWSL.We also take a moment to reflect on the recent racist and homophobic attacks on Barbra Banda in Gotham. We urge NWSL fans and the league to do better and work towards creating a truly inclusive environment for all.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell4. The Good & The Bad
39:48||Season 2, Ep. 4The Lion’s Pitch is your weekly deep dive into all things NC Courage! Hosted by Katie and Trevor, each episode brings you the latest on the Courage’s matches, stats, and news from around the NWSL.In this week’s episode:Looking Back: We look closer at the 1-2 loss to Seattle Reign in the home opener. While it may have seemed rough from the stands, we break down the game and highlight why it wasn't as bad as it appeared in real-time.Stand-Out Stats: Highlighting the key stats you won’t want to miss from the game against Seattle Reign.Looking Ahead: We turn our focus to the upcoming away match against the Portland Thorns, analyzing what we can expect based on their performance this season.Courage News & News Around the League: All the latest buzz in NC Courage news and what's happening across the NWSL.We also take a moment to reflect on the recent racist and homophobic attacks on Barbra Banda in Gotham. We urge NWSL fans and the league to do better and work towards creating a truly inclusive environment for all.Welcome to 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.The 2025 season has begun, so you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!Subscribe & FollowSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell