Durham Reporter

The North Carolina Courage secured their first road victory of 2024 with a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit at Audi Field on Saturday night. Ashley Sanchez, returning to her former home ground, scored the decisive goal.

The Courage maintained offensive pressure for much of the initial 20 minutes, aside from a critical save by Tyler Lussi off a corner. In the 19th minute, Ryan Williams' pressing disrupted Washington's build-up play, leading to Sanchez's goal. Sanchez now has three goals this season and has scored in consecutive matches. This marks the second consecutive game where high pressing directly resulted in a goal.

Defensively, the Courage held firm towards the end of the first half and throughout most of the second half, limiting Washington's opportunities. Despite increased pressure from the Spirit during stoppage time, including a dangerous free kick and three corners, North Carolina's defense preserved their lead.

Midfielders Denise O’Sullivan and Narumi Miura were instrumental in maintaining control with a combined total of 12 interceptions and six tackles won out of eight attempts. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy made four saves to achieve her sixth clean sheet of the season and her first on the road.

Match notes include Kaleigh Kurtz extending her NWSL record for consecutive minutes played to 6,892 and North Carolina continuing their streak of winning possession battles for 45 straight regular-season matches (52% possession). The Courage have now earned points in three consecutive fixtures, marking their longest streak this season.

Up next for North Carolina is a home match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, July 7 at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game will serve as an Olympic sendoff for players representing their countries at the Olympic Games and will feature an appearance by USA Swimming.

North Carolina Courage lineup: Casey Murphy; Felicitas Rauch; Malia Berkely; Kaleigh Kurtz; Ryan Williams; Denise O’Sullivan; Narumi Miura; Brianna Pinto (Victoria Pickett – 64’); Ashley Sanchez; Tyler Lussi (Meredith Speck – 64’); Bianca St-Georges (Haley Hopkins – 45’).

Washington Spirit lineup: Aubrey Kingsbury; Casey Krueger; Annaïg Butel; Tara McKeown; Gabrielle Carle (Makenna Morris – 63’); Hal Hershfelt; Paige Metayer (Heather Stainbrook – 63’); Courtney Brown (Kate Wiesner – 45’); Croix Bethune (Ashley Hatch – 74’); Trinity Rodman; Ouleymata Sarr (Brittany Ratcliffe – 74’).

Final Score:

North Carolina Courage: 1

Washington Spirit: 0

Goals:

North Carolina Courage: A. Sanchez – 19’

Cautions:

North Carolina Courage: M. Speck –75’

Washington Spirit: H. Hershfelt –80’

Venue: Audi Field (Washington D.C.)

Attendance:15,717