Durham Reporter

While the North Carolina Courage competed at CPKC Stadium against the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Playoffs, supporters gathered nearly 1,000 miles away in Downtown Raleigh. The Carolina Ale House on Glenwood Avenue hosted around 200 fans who came together to enjoy food and drinks while cheering for their team.

Scott Bynum, a new season ticket holder in 2024 who became a fan after attending his first game in 2023, was among the early arrivals at the watch party. "I knew flights to Kansas City were a little too expensive, so I figured this was the next best thing. I wanted to support the team as much as I possibly could," Bynum said.

Bynum appreciates the community aspect of these events. "The Courage have built a great community of people who just love the Courage and love soccer in the area. It is a great thing that they have built," he added.

Fans traveled from various locations for the event, including Katherine and Olivia McKinney, a mother-daughter pair who drove over an hour to join fellow supporters. They are regulars at team watch parties. "We like coming out and hanging out with other Courage fans; just being able to watch together is really nice," Katherine said.

Olivia enjoys making signs for every game but finds it hard to choose a favorite player, instead supporting "the whole team." Fans reacted loudly during significant moments of play, especially when Manaka Matsukubo's goal was disallowed by officials. "I do wish that one goal counted," Olivia commented at halftime.

The enthusiasm shown by fans during both regular season games and playoff events indicates growing momentum for Courage Country as they head into the offseason.