The North Carolina Courage has proved to be a team that will never back down, especially when playing in WakeMed Soccer Park and when it seems like the odds are against them. By defeating the Kansas City Current 2-1, the Courage not only won three imperative points but also showed why they command respect in the NWSL.
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When Pressure Turns into Opportunity
By the hour mark, there was nothing good to look at for the Courage. It was Kansas City Current that managed to break the deadlock in a heavy rain, placing the home in a hard spot. It was to be expected that the defense faltered, as up until that point it had held firmly, and it was Temwa Chawinga who scored.
It was the kind of goal that could rattle any team. But not Courage. The response was quick and emphatic as just five minutes later, Cortnee Vine showed why she was a smart signing. In a flash of precision, she received the ball from Haley Hopkins, carved out just enough space between the defenders, and fired a shot that left the goalkeeper helpless.
Cortnee Vine: A Signing Already Paying Off
Vine came to Courage with a lot of expectations, and so far, she has risen to those expectations. The ability to read the game and play at the right time quickly made her a mainstay in the team. And Coach Sean Nahas was just right when he picked her out as that dynamic forward who could change the course of the game at vital times.
Vine is adapting fast to the tempo and demands of the NWSL.
The Winning Goal: Brianna Pinto Seals the Comeback
In injury time, with a draw seemingly going to satisfy both teams, Brianna Pinto did what few can: she changed the complexion of the game. It was a timely goal and a game-changing one at that. Pinto pounced on a defensive mistake and didn't let this opportunity slip away to seal the deal for Courage.
A win like this, snatched in the last minutes, is a great confidence booster for any team. For the Courage, this seals a belief in them that they are capable of overcoming anything that comes their way, even more so when at home, where they boast an unbeaten run of 18 games.