Angel City FC hands Courage 2-1 loss in LA
Posted April 21, 2024 10:44 p.m. EDT
LOS ANGELES (April 21, 2024) — The North Carolina Courage statistically dominated but fell in a tough road tilt, 2-1, at Angel City FC Sunday afternoon in front of a sold out crowd of 22,000 at BMO Stadium. The Courage remain on nine points through five matches with a 3W-2L-0D record.
North Carolina held a 15-5 edge in shots, including one more shot on goal, held 63% of possession and were on the attack almost all day but fell to the efficient Angel City side.
Angel City got on the board first, striking midway through the opening period. A breakout on the counter forced Kaleigh Kurtz into a foul just outside the penalty area from straight away, drawing a booking from the referee. Claire Emslie curled the free kick beautifully into the side netting to capitalize on the close-range opportunity.
The Courage had several solid builds in possession throughout the opening period, including a great move by Haley Hopkins down the left side in the 37’ when she placed a cross onto the foot of Tyler Lussi at the back post, but the volley touch narrowly missed the back of the net. The Courage held 60% of possession, passed with 90% accuracy and had a 6-2 edge in shots through the first 45, but the free kick goal against the run of play saw the home side carry a one-goal lead into the locker room.
The Courage had a flurry of chances to open the second half, including an attempt by Manaka Matsukubo that hit woodwork and another that clipped just wide. But, in the 54’ Emslie again struck against the run of play, running onto a through ball by Alyssa Thompson then chipping a long-range shot over a leaping Casey Murphy to double Angel City’s advantage.
Ashley Sanchez seemed to pull one back for the Courage just minutes later, but a razor thin delayed offside call took the goal off the board. Another great combination from the midfield found Manaka at the top of the box in the 60’ but her shot was saved by DiDi Haričić.
The Courage did slash the deficit in the 73’ when Kurtz won a free kick on the right wing. Feli Rauch served a perfect free ball to the back post and Lussi one-timed it home to get the visitors on the board and give Lussi a goal against a former club of hers for the second time in as many weeks.
The Courage continued to apply pressure for the entirety of the second half, including all 10 minutes of stoppage time, but could not find the equalizer.
The Courage return to WakeMed Soccer Park to host Seattle Reign FC next Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m. ET. The match will honor this year’s NCFC Youth Shield Award winners with a halftime parade. Tickets are available here and the match will stream live on NWSL+.
