Durham Reporter

The North Carolina Courage concluded their 2024 season with a narrow 1-0 defeat against the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Quarterfinals at CPKC Stadium. This marks the end of a campaign where the Courage qualified for the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Kansas City secured victory with an early goal, taking advantage of a loose ball after a save by Casey Murphy. The initial shot hit the post, followed by a block from Kaleigh Kurtz, before Temwa Chawinga tapped it in during the 8th minute to give Kansas City an early lead.

The match saw Kansas City take eight of the first nine shots, but North Carolina improved as the half progressed. They ultimately edged out Kansas City in total shots for the day, ending with a tally of 13-12. Despite holding 65% possession and passing with 85% accuracy, North Carolina could not find an equalizer.

North Carolina's Aline Gomes had a chance to score in the 25th minute after receiving a cross from Kerolin, but her shot went wide. Another opportunity arose when Kerolin set up Manaka Matsukubo for a long-distance attempt that also missed.

In another close call just past thirty minutes into play, Feli Rauch's centering pass found Kerolin whose shot was slowed down by Kansas City's keeper before Manaka put it in, only to have it negated due to a foul call.

A key defensive moment came early in the second half when Kurtz executed a well-timed slide tackle to stop Chawinga from breaking away and maintaining just a one-goal deficit for North Carolina.

As time wound down, Ashley Sanchez attempted to capitalize on build-up play orchestrated by O'Sullivan and Kerolin but was denied by Kansas City's goalkeeper. Further efforts were made through Narumi Miura's long-range strike and Manaka’s late attempt; however, neither resulted in goals.

Despite persistent pressure until stoppage time, North Carolina could not break through Kansas City's defense and exited from playoff contention this season.