Match Week 3: Utah defeat, Gotham FC next, Liga MX and more

Howdy Courage fans!

Our 2-1 loss is a humbling reminder that yes, this is still the NWSL and yes, it’s still among the most competitive leagues in the world, even among expansion sides. That’s why we love it, even when the losses hurt.

We still got to see some outstanding play, plus exciting news about the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil partnership, USWNT group stages and more, so let’s get to it.

Recap: Courage v. Utah Royals

This was a great example of “stats aren’t everything.” In nearly every column, the Courage dominated the ball, including 67% possession. It’s a game that felt like we should have walked out with a draw. Utah played hard and had a solid game plan, but the Courage never looked overmatched. Still, we couldn’t find the equalizer, and a few frustrating moments should lead to some introspection.

There were some shining moments. Riley Jackson got more playing time and looked very solid on the pitch. And of course, Ashley Sanchez scored her first goal for the Courage with a dynamite heads up play.

And I know this is the other team but oh my goodness, Ally Sentnor’s goal.

Generally speaking, the Courage probably have a lot more to look and learn from with this game than last week’s 5-1 deconstruction of Houston. So a competitive loss like this early in the season doesn’t hurt too badly, provided swift adjustments are made and the team continues to progress. Onward!

Standout stats

Stats via FotMob and Field of Vision.

Look ahead: Courage v. Gotham FC

Gotham won last year’s championship, then promptly ousted a good portion of their team in favor of USWNT veterans. They have just shy of a third of the USWNT players on their squad.

It’s a scary squad, stacked with talent. I honestly thought they’d be our first big test before The Surprise in Utah (TM). The upside to Gotham having a mostly new squad is that it may take them awhile to find their groove, so an early match might benefit the Courage. We have a special guest on this week’s podcast, Eboni C. Eboni offers a more hopeful outlook for this matchup, so it’s worth a listen.

Sadly, Gotham has also sustained some key injuries. Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams were out last week with a questionable return date due to various leg injuries. Midge Purce sustained a knee injury in Gotham’s 1-0 victorious season opener against the Portland Thorns.

Courage news and updates

• The Courage announced a “mutual contract termination” with midfielder Rikako Kobayashi.

• NWSL and Liga MX Femenil had announced a Summer Cup a few weeks back, and details are becoming available! The Courage are in Group E alongside Racing Louisville, Orlando Pride and Rayadas de Monterrey. They will play Rayadas and Orlando at home at WakeMed Soccer Park, and Louisville away. Per the Courage, the Group stage schedule is:

  • Saturday, July 20: HOME vs. Orlando Pride at 7:30 p.m. ET

  • Friday, July 26: AWAY at Racing Louisville at 8 p.m. ET

  • Wednesday, July 31: HOME vs. Rayadas de Monterrey at 7 p.m. ET

Around the league and beyond

• The USWNT announced their roster for the SheBelieves Cup. Forwards Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario return from lengthy injuries. Defender Eva Gaetino and midfielder Lily Yohannes got called up to the senior USWNT for the first time. US Soccer points out all four teams have qualified for the Olympics, so this should be a competitive tournament.

• Also, the USWNT had their group draw for the 2024 Paris Olympics last week. Per the rules of the draw, Germany was automatically included in that group. Additionally, the USWNT will face Australia, and then either Zambia or Morocco after the final Africa qualifying games April 1 and 9. The first match will be USWNT v. the qualifying African team on July 25 at 3 p.m. ET.

That’s it for this week!

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