Courage Game Notes
@nccgamesnotes.bsky.social
Fan account. Possible sporadic newsletter on the way? Run by area man Matt Healey.
Would love to see a proven, maybe rugged midfielder get the last roster spot. Not a lot of depth there, especially if Manaka plays the false 9 to keep Sanchez on the field.
February 3, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Would love to see a proven, maybe rugged midfielder get the last roster spot. Not a lot of depth there, especially if Manaka plays the false 9 to keep Sanchez on the field.
Good discussion of Dunn's legacy.
I didn't watch NWSL when she was at the Spirit, but in 2018-2019, she was undoubtedly the best U.S. player for club and country. She never really hit that form again despite some big moments for the Thorns.
I didn't watch NWSL when she was at the Spirit, but in 2018-2019, she was undoubtedly the best U.S. player for club and country. She never really hit that form again despite some big moments for the Thorns.
On this week's pod, we discuss Crystal Dunn's retirement and more.
Give it a listen at the link!
nwslthisweek.substack.com
Give it a listen at the link!
nwslthisweek.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Good discussion of Dunn's legacy.
I didn't watch NWSL when she was at the Spirit, but in 2018-2019, she was undoubtedly the best U.S. player for club and country. She never really hit that form again despite some big moments for the Thorns.
I didn't watch NWSL when she was at the Spirit, but in 2018-2019, she was undoubtedly the best U.S. player for club and country. She never really hit that form again despite some big moments for the Thorns.
Should have won the Golden Ball at the 2019 World Cup. She was far and away the best player for the U.S. in that tournament.
January 29, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Should have won the Golden Ball at the 2019 World Cup. She was far and away the best player for the U.S. in that tournament.
Still no coach, but Bowley deserves credit for greatly improving the forward line.
Last year, the wingers were so unproductive that Nahas had to change the formation to eliminate them. (To be fair, Thackeray brought them back with some success after Linehan arrived.)
Last year, the wingers were so unproductive that Nahas had to change the formation to eliminate them. (To be fair, Thackeray brought them back with some success after Linehan arrived.)
EVELYN ENTERS THE CHAT 💬
We have acquired Swedish international Evelyn Ijeh via permanent transfer from Italian club AC Milan. Welcome, Evelyn!
📰 Read more: www.nccourage.com/news/nc-cour...
We have acquired Swedish international Evelyn Ijeh via permanent transfer from Italian club AC Milan. Welcome, Evelyn!
📰 Read more: www.nccourage.com/news/nc-cour...
January 23, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Still no coach, but Bowley deserves credit for greatly improving the forward line.
Last year, the wingers were so unproductive that Nahas had to change the formation to eliminate them. (To be fair, Thackeray brought them back with some success after Linehan arrived.)
Last year, the wingers were so unproductive that Nahas had to change the formation to eliminate them. (To be fair, Thackeray brought them back with some success after Linehan arrived.)
Thrilled for Nathan to get this opportunity. Sad to lose such a wonderful part of the NCFC community.
Still think he should've gotten the Courage job.
Still think he should've gotten the Courage job.
Dallas Trinity snags North Carolina Courage Interim Head Coach Nathan Thackeray as its new boss
#DTFC
3rddegree.net/dallas-trini...
#DTFC
3rddegree.net/dallas-trini...
Dallas Trinity snags North Carolina Courage Interim Head Coach Nathan Thackeray as its new boss - 3rd Degree
Dallas Trinity FC has hired Nathan Thackeray , the Interim Head Coach of the North Carolina Courage, to be the USL Super League side's new head coach. “Dallas T
3rddegree.net
January 20, 2026 at 11:57 PM
Thrilled for Nathan to get this opportunity. Sad to lose such a wonderful part of the NCFC community.
Still think he should've gotten the Courage job.
Still think he should've gotten the Courage job.
I hope the armband goes to Ryan Williams.
Depending on what happens with Speck, she may be the longest tenured player. She'll certainly be the longest tenured starter.
Vice-captain should be Riley Jackson.
Depending on what happens with Speck, she may be the longest tenured player. She'll certainly be the longest tenured starter.
Vice-captain should be Riley Jackson.
January 19, 2026 at 12:37 AM
I hope the armband goes to Ryan Williams.
Depending on what happens with Speck, she may be the longest tenured player. She'll certainly be the longest tenured starter.
Vice-captain should be Riley Jackson.
Depending on what happens with Speck, she may be the longest tenured player. She'll certainly be the longest tenured starter.
Vice-captain should be Riley Jackson.
This one hurts.
A leader. A champion. Our Captain.
We've completed a transfer of midfielder Denise O'Sullivan to Liverpool F.C. of the Barclays Women's Super League. Thank you, Sully, for everything you gave to this Club. The standard you set will leave a lasting legacy in Courage Country.
We've completed a transfer of midfielder Denise O'Sullivan to Liverpool F.C. of the Barclays Women's Super League. Thank you, Sully, for everything you gave to this Club. The standard you set will leave a lasting legacy in Courage Country.
January 17, 2026 at 8:58 PM
This one hurts.
Happy news!
Liv's locked for 2026 🔒
We have signed forward Olivia Wingate to a one-year extension. Can't wait to see you back on the field, Olivia!
We have signed forward Olivia Wingate to a one-year extension. Can't wait to see you back on the field, Olivia!
NC COURAGE RE-SIGN FORWARD OLIVIA WINGATE TO ONE-YEAR DEAL | News - NC Courage
2023 first-round pick returns for fourth season in Courage Country
www.nccourage.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Happy news!
Not even mad they couldn't find a way to add Mr. Postman.
Never seen Vine and the Courage in the same room... 'til now 📼
January 15, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Not even mad they couldn't find a way to add Mr. Postman.
First, hindsight is 20/20, but it was a mistake to buy Shaw. Not because she isn’t an elite talent. She is. But because of the opportunity cost. We had enough really strong 10s. We needed strong wingers. Instead, we invested in yet another 10. One who couldn’t unseat Manaka or Sanchez.
September 9, 2025 at 3:47 AM
First, hindsight is 20/20, but it was a mistake to buy Shaw. Not because she isn’t an elite talent. She is. But because of the opportunity cost. We had enough really strong 10s. We needed strong wingers. Instead, we invested in yet another 10. One who couldn’t unseat Manaka or Sanchez.
It's probably difficult to overstate the impact that Olivia Wingate's injury has had on the Courage's season.
As Bowley recently noted, our problem in attack is that we don't have any "strechers." All of our talented players are combiners, but we don't have somone to pressure back lines with speed.
As Bowley recently noted, our problem in attack is that we don't have any "strechers." All of our talented players are combiners, but we don't have somone to pressure back lines with speed.
September 8, 2025 at 3:51 PM
It's probably difficult to overstate the impact that Olivia Wingate's injury has had on the Courage's season.
As Bowley recently noted, our problem in attack is that we don't have any "strechers." All of our talented players are combiners, but we don't have somone to pressure back lines with speed.
As Bowley recently noted, our problem in attack is that we don't have any "strechers." All of our talented players are combiners, but we don't have somone to pressure back lines with speed.
This is a really nice surprise.
Bringing the smoke through 2027 💨
Read more on Feli Rauch's contract extension below!
Read more on Feli Rauch's contract extension below!
NC COURAGE, FELI RAUCH AGREE TO CONTRACT EXTENSION THROUGH 2027 | News - NC Courage
German international to stay in Courage Country for two more years
www.nccourage.com
August 27, 2025 at 3:52 PM
This is a really nice surprise.
Syd, we hardly knew ya.
The proud tradition of Courage draftees not named Ryan Williams never becoming multiyear contributors continues!
The proud tradition of Courage draftees not named Ryan Williams never becoming multiyear contributors continues!
The North Carolina Courage have traded Sydney Collins to Bay FC in exchange for $60,000 in 2025 intraleague transfer funds, the teams jointly announced today.
The Courage selected Collins eighth overall in the 2023 NWSL College Draft out of Cal Berkeley
The Courage selected Collins eighth overall in the 2023 NWSL College Draft out of Cal Berkeley
August 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Syd, we hardly knew ya.
The proud tradition of Courage draftees not named Ryan Williams never becoming multiyear contributors continues!
The proud tradition of Courage draftees not named Ryan Williams never becoming multiyear contributors continues!
I would like to see the Courage give the job to Thackeray, and quickly.
There is nothing wrong with the team's current system that a few tweeks can't fix. We have a lot of good, technical players coming back. No need to rebuild the wheel.
There are two problems that need to be solved.
There is nothing wrong with the team's current system that a few tweeks can't fix. We have a lot of good, technical players coming back. No need to rebuild the wheel.
There are two problems that need to be solved.
August 18, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I would like to see the Courage give the job to Thackeray, and quickly.
There is nothing wrong with the team's current system that a few tweeks can't fix. We have a lot of good, technical players coming back. No need to rebuild the wheel.
There are two problems that need to be solved.
There is nothing wrong with the team's current system that a few tweeks can't fix. We have a lot of good, technical players coming back. No need to rebuild the wheel.
There are two problems that need to be solved.
You have to wonder whether one of the "multitude of factors" in Nahas's termination was difficulty with recruiting.
The club has 12 unrestricted free agents, and we've heard nary a word about any of them re-signing. Also, we have 3 open roster spots and a desperate need for quality forwards.
The club has 12 unrestricted free agents, and we've heard nary a word about any of them re-signing. Also, we have 3 open roster spots and a desperate need for quality forwards.
August 12, 2025 at 3:28 PM
You have to wonder whether one of the "multitude of factors" in Nahas's termination was difficulty with recruiting.
The club has 12 unrestricted free agents, and we've heard nary a word about any of them re-signing. Also, we have 3 open roster spots and a desperate need for quality forwards.
The club has 12 unrestricted free agents, and we've heard nary a word about any of them re-signing. Also, we have 3 open roster spots and a desperate need for quality forwards.
Tough game last night.
I'm going to be honest. It's frustrating to watch San Diego effortlessly execute the kind of soccer we've been trying to build for several years. I realize we don't we don't have a Delphine Cascarino, but why don't we?
I'm going to be honest. It's frustrating to watch San Diego effortlessly execute the kind of soccer we've been trying to build for several years. I realize we don't we don't have a Delphine Cascarino, but why don't we?
August 3, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Tough game last night.
I'm going to be honest. It's frustrating to watch San Diego effortlessly execute the kind of soccer we've been trying to build for several years. I realize we don't we don't have a Delphine Cascarino, but why don't we?
I'm going to be honest. It's frustrating to watch San Diego effortlessly execute the kind of soccer we've been trying to build for several years. I realize we don't we don't have a Delphine Cascarino, but why don't we?
In the short term, this puts the club at 3 open roster spots. In the long term, you have to wonder what this means for Vine next season. McLean will be out of contract, but Vine has another year.
Good luck in Florida, Charlotte ☀️
We have loaned defender Charlotte McLean to Tampa Bay Sun FC for the remainder of the 2025 season.
📰: www.nccourage.com/news/nc-cour...
We have loaned defender Charlotte McLean to Tampa Bay Sun FC for the remainder of the 2025 season.
📰: www.nccourage.com/news/nc-cour...
July 15, 2025 at 5:48 PM
In the short term, this puts the club at 3 open roster spots. In the long term, you have to wonder what this means for Vine next season. McLean will be out of contract, but Vine has another year.
There are four players on the Courage with options that the club must exercise or decline today.
1. Victoria Pickett has a mutual option. Seems pretty clear that she is not in the club's long-term plans.
1. Victoria Pickett has a mutual option. Seems pretty clear that she is not in the club's long-term plans.
June 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
There are four players on the Courage with options that the club must exercise or decline today.
1. Victoria Pickett has a mutual option. Seems pretty clear that she is not in the club's long-term plans.
1. Victoria Pickett has a mutual option. Seems pretty clear that she is not in the club's long-term plans.
Not far from our seats at First Horizon Stadium is the box where Courage players who aren't in the match squad watch the game. I always look up as we're walking in to see who is up there.
Last weekend I was struck by two things: Olivia Wingate wasn't there, but Aline Gomes was.
Last weekend I was struck by two things: Olivia Wingate wasn't there, but Aline Gomes was.
June 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Not far from our seats at First Horizon Stadium is the box where Courage players who aren't in the match squad watch the game. I always look up as we're walking in to see who is up there.
Last weekend I was struck by two things: Olivia Wingate wasn't there, but Aline Gomes was.
Last weekend I was struck by two things: Olivia Wingate wasn't there, but Aline Gomes was.
Halfway through the season and going into the July break, it looks like the Courage will be third in non-penalty xG, behind only the Current and the Spirit.
NPxG is 20.1. They have scored 18 goals (no pens), so not too far off pace.
Definitely not what I expected after the first 5 games.
NPxG is 20.1. They have scored 18 goals (no pens), so not too far off pace.
Definitely not what I expected after the first 5 games.
June 22, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Halfway through the season and going into the July break, it looks like the Courage will be third in non-penalty xG, behind only the Current and the Spirit.
NPxG is 20.1. They have scored 18 goals (no pens), so not too far off pace.
Definitely not what I expected after the first 5 games.
NPxG is 20.1. They have scored 18 goals (no pens), so not too far off pace.
Definitely not what I expected after the first 5 games.
Unfortunately, I don't have enough free time in my life to keep up with this account.
But I think Jordan Angeli's diagnosis of the Courage in this pod is mostly right. They need to convert chances, but they mostly need to stop making bad defensive mistakes.
But I think Jordan Angeli's diagnosis of the Courage in this pod is mostly right. They need to convert chances, but they mostly need to stop making bad defensive mistakes.
New NWSL episode available here or wherever you listen to Soccerwise;
Apple; podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6fBw...
Apple; podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6fBw...
June 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Unfortunately, I don't have enough free time in my life to keep up with this account.
But I think Jordan Angeli's diagnosis of the Courage in this pod is mostly right. They need to convert chances, but they mostly need to stop making bad defensive mistakes.
But I think Jordan Angeli's diagnosis of the Courage in this pod is mostly right. They need to convert chances, but they mostly need to stop making bad defensive mistakes.
Outstanding.
Now let's go sign Gio Queiroz.
Now let's go sign Gio Queiroz.
A new chapter begins in Courage Country!
We're excited to welcome Dr. Ceri Bowley as our Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director! A global expert in football leadership, he's ready to shape our future.
Read more: www.nccourage.com/news/north-c...
We're excited to welcome Dr. Ceri Bowley as our Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director! A global expert in football leadership, he's ready to shape our future.
Read more: www.nccourage.com/news/north-c...
April 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Outstanding.
Now let's go sign Gio Queiroz.
Now let's go sign Gio Queiroz.
Another midfielder!
The Place To Be Legendary.
We’re proud to welcome U.S. Women’s Soccer legend Lauren Holiday and two-time NBA Champion Jrue Holiday to the NC Courage ownership group!
Read more: www.nccourage.com/news/nc-cour...
We’re proud to welcome U.S. Women’s Soccer legend Lauren Holiday and two-time NBA Champion Jrue Holiday to the NC Courage ownership group!
Read more: www.nccourage.com/news/nc-cour...
April 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Another midfielder!
The truth is that I don't think there's a team in the NWSL that would trade its squad of forwards for North Carolina's.
April 21, 2025 at 3:45 AM
The truth is that I don't think there's a team in the NWSL that would trade its squad of forwards for North Carolina's.
The Courage were not a prolific offensive team last year. They won games by controlling the ball, playing solid defense, and outperforming their xG Against numbers.
Here are the 3 most prolific goal contributors from last year:
Here are the 3 most prolific goal contributors from last year:
April 21, 2025 at 3:42 AM
The Courage were not a prolific offensive team last year. They won games by controlling the ball, playing solid defense, and outperforming their xG Against numbers.
Here are the 3 most prolific goal contributors from last year:
Here are the 3 most prolific goal contributors from last year: