Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the Courage close the season with a thrilling win over Gotham FC, showcasing skill, cohesion, and potential despite missing the playoffs. We break down standout stats, discuss hopes and key moves for 2026, highlight team milestones, and preview the NWSL playoffs as the league’s top teams battle for the championship.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Gotham FC

The Courage closed the season with a thrilling win over Gotham, dominating with sharp passing, strategic attacks, and opportunistic finishing. Despite controlling the game and showcasing their best play of the season, the team’s fate was tied to other results, and they ultimately missed the playoffs. Still, the performance highlighted the team’s skill, cohesion, and potential heading into next year.

📊 Standout Stats

Despite giving up a high volume of shots—especially inside the box—the Courage’s defense held strong, blocking key opportunities and limiting real threats. Offensively, the team was efficient, converting three of their twelve shots into goals, showing precision and finishing that capped off the season on a high note.

🔮 Looking Ahead: 2026 Season

As the Courage head into the offseason, there’s a lot to consider for 2026, from potential roster moves to key free-agent decisions. The discussion focused on hopes for a more consistent starting 11, stronger set-piece defending, spreading goal-scoring responsibilities, and adding veterans or marquee players to support the team’s young core.

📰 Courage News

The season brought plenty of milestones and highlights for the team. Record-breaking performances, standout contributions, and individual achievements underscored the talent on the pitch and set an exciting tone as the Courage look toward 2026.

🌎 Around the League

The playoffs are set, and the league’s top teams are gearing up for some intense matchups. With dominant performances and late-season momentum shaping the postseason, fans can expect high-stakes action and plenty of excitement as teams vie for the championship.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the Courage lit up the scoreboard with a historic hat trick, dominating across every stat, but is it too late to secure playoff glory? We break down the numbers, preview the do-or-die showdown against Gotham, explore key team news, and reflect on the fans' ongoing commitment to inclusivity and growth.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Bay FC

The Courage came alive behind a record-breaking hat trick from Manaka, the youngest player in league history to do it. Big win. Bigger question: Is it too late?

📊 Standout Stats

The Courage dominated across the board, showing precision, control, and efficiency in every aspect of the game. From shot placement to possession and attacking in the box, the numbers tell the story of a team firing on all cylinders.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Gotham FC

The Courage face a do-or-die showdown against Gotham, where every goal counts and playoff fate hinges not just on their win, but on other results around the league. Decision Day drama at its finest.

📰 Courage News

The Courage is gearing up for the future with new additions. Exciting developments on and off the field signal a dynamic end to the season and a fresh start ahead.

🌎 Around the League

The week in women’s soccer reminds us that the game is bigger than scores and stats. It’s an inclusive space where players of all backgrounds belong, and it’s on all of us to protect that. Off-field developments and changes keep the league evolving, but the commitment to fairness, respect, and opportunity remains at the heart of the sport.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, The NC Courage battle a rain-soaked Washington Spirit to a dramatic draw, with clutch plays and a dominant midfield. Plus, we break down key stats, look ahead to a must-win matchup, and share the latest league news shaping the season.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Washington Spirit

The Courage battle through rain, drama, and playoff pressure to draw the league’s No. 2 team. We break down lineup shakeups, clutch saves, and a late equalizer that keeps the postseason dream alive—barely.

📊 Standout Stats

The Courage go toe-to-toe in a dead-even battle: 50/50 possession, level XG, and one fierce midfield trio stealing the show. Riley Jackson, Shinomi, and Manaka dominate the rain-soaked chaos, proving the future of the Courage is already here.

🔮 Looking Ahead: San Diego Wave

The Courage face a struggling Bay FC with everything on the line, and while the opponent has nothing to lose, North Carolina has no room for error.

📰 Courage News

The latest from the Courage highlights exciting developments on and off the field, with players making strides and fans keeping the energy high.

🌎 Around the League

Around the league, playoff races are heating up, leadership decisions are shaping the future, and long-time players are stepping away, leaving a lasting legacy. There’s drama, growth, and change at every level.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the NC Courage fall, but the playoff race is still mostly alive. We break down the challenges, the team’s fight to stay in contention, and preview the crucial upcoming matchup, plus the latest league news and standout stats as the postseason battle heats up.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Louisville

The Courage faced tactical tests, tough goals, and late-season pressure in a rollercoaster match against Louisville, but even after a hard loss, there’s still plenty of fight left and hope for a playoff push.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Washington Spirit

The Courage face a tough test this weekend against one of the league’s strongest teams, and every move on the field will count in this high-stakes matchup.

📰 Courage News

The Courage are filling the stands and bringing the energy, with fans creating an electric atmosphere this season!

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the NC Courage face a tough 2-0 loss to Seattle, but the playoff fight isn’t over. We break down key players, tactical shifts, and late-game struggles, then preview the must-win clash against Racing Louisville. Plus, the latest league news and standout stats keep fans in the know as the postseason push heats up.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Seattle Reign

The Courage struck first but couldn’t hold off Seattle’s late surge. We break down the highs, heartbreaks, and what this loss means for the playoff push.

📊 Standout Stats

Seattle’s clinical finishing stole the win despite the Courage dominating possession. We break down the stats, near-misses, and the key moments that show why this team is still fighting for a playoff spot.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Racing Louisville

With only four games left, the Courage face a must-win showdown against Racing Louisville to secure a playoff spot. We break down the key matchups, tactical questions, and why this game could define their postseason chances.

📰 Courage News

We’ve got the latest updates from the Courage, including standout performances and key developments shaping the team’s season.

🌎 Around the League

From Kansas City clinching the Shield to a playoff race that’s still wide open, we break down the biggest NWSL storylines.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Lion’s Pitch, Trevor and Katie break down the North Carolina Courage’s hard-fought 1-0 road win over Orlando Pride, highlighting standout defensive moments, emerging leadership, and the team’s growing depth. From clutch saves to goal-line heroics and a perfectly executed finishing play, the hosts analyze how sharper shooting and mental toughness are propelling the Courage in a razor-thin playoff race. They also preview the team’s upcoming must-win West Coast road test against Seattle Reign, dissecting key matchups, tactical challenges, and the pressure-packed push toward the final stretch of the season.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Orlando Pride

The Courage’s 1-0 road win over Orlando highlighted defensive grit, emerging leadership, and crucial momentum in a razor-thin playoff race.

📊 Standout Stats

Standout stats underscored the Courage’s progress, with sharper shooting and efficiency turning opportunities into results.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Chicago Stars

Looking ahead to a must-win road test in Seattle, the Courage face midfield battles, aerial threats, and playoff pressure that will define their late-season push.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the NC Courage are making moves, breaking records, and showing off some serious skills on the pitch in their 2-1 win against Angel City FC. From big trades to standout plays and the road ahead, we’ve got all the insights, highlights, and behind-the-scenes chatter you don’t want to miss. Tune in and catch the action!

In This Episode📰 Courage News

We break down the Courage’s biggest roster shake-up yet — from Jaedyn Shaw’s record-breaking trade to fresh new faces and Kaleigh Kurtz’s streak-smashing milestone — and why it all sets the stage for the club’s future.”

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Angel City FC

From Manaka Matsukubo’s opener to Meredith Speck’s clever clock management, the Courage showed what happens when teamwork, strategy, and clutch plays all click at once.

📊 Standout Stats

With seven of 10 shots on target and just three corners allowed, the Courage showed precision, poise, and control that could pay off in their next clash against Orlando Pride.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Orlando Pride

The Courage head to Orlando ready to control the game, exploit opportunities, and prove that strategy and teamwork can beat even a tricky, talented opponent.

🌎 Around the League

Whether it’s on-field feats or off-field developments, there’s plenty keeping fans engaged this week.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, Trevor and Katie cover inspiring team milestones to the shocking Jaedyn Shaw trade, plus a look at lineups, tactics, and what to expect in the next big match. Stay in the loop and hear the latest Courage news!

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Utah Royals

Rain, lightning, and a whirlwind of action, the Courage battle Utah in a nail-biting 1-1 draw, featuring Marissa Jordan’s stellar debut and Jaden Shaw’s clutch penalty that had fans on the edge of their seats. 

🔮 Looking Ahead: Utah Royals

With Angel City reeling from Alyssa Thompson’s departure but still loaded with threats like Christen Press and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, the Courage face a high-stakes matchup for playoff positioning. We break down key battles, lineup possibilities, and how the home-field advantage could tip the scales in this exciting East Coast showdown.

📰 Courage News

Catch this episode to hear the latest updates, milestones, and highlights from the North Carolina Courage.

🌎 Around the League

Stay up to speed on the latest NWSL news, from league updates to big moments across teams, and hear all the developments shaping the season.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, Trevor and Katie break down the Courage’s rollercoaster weekend, recapping their hard-fought draws against Chicago and loss to Kansas City. They analyze the highs, lows, and key moments that shaped both games. They also dive into exciting roster news, including new signings and contract extensions.

In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Chicago Red Stars & Kansas City Current

Trevor and Katie dive into the Courage’s recent battles with Chicago and Kansas City, unpacking the highs, frustrations, and what the results mean for the playoff push. 

🔮 Looking Ahead: Utah Royals

Trevor and Katie preview the Courage’s upcoming clash with Utah, weighing the challenges of a tricky opponent and the potential for a strong offensive showing. With playoff hopes on the line, they debate lineup strategies, defensive setups, and how the team can find consistency to secure three crucial points.

📰 Courage News

Trevor and Katie dive into the latest Courage roster news, celebrating Feli Rauch's contract extension and Payton Linnehan’s arrival while tracking the moves of Brooklyn Courtnall.

🌎 Around the League

Trevor and Katie break down the biggest moves and buzz in the NWSL, from standout signings and surprising transfers to the excitement building around new tournaments.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lion’s Pitch Podcast, we drop a mini-episode as the team takes a short vacation, but we’re still bringing the preview you need for the upcoming Kansas City clash. The Courage are gearing up to face the league’s top squad, analyzing key matchups, tactical tweaks, and players to watch. From aggressive midfield plays to defensive strategies against powerhouse forwards, we break down what could tip the balance in this high-stakes showdown.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.