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North Carolina Courage return home for the first time with three points in the bag

Courage get their first away win of 2024 with a decisive goal from Ashley Sanchez

By Izabelle Franca

Jun 29, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez (2) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Foslien-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez (2) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Foslien-USA TODAY Sports / Hannah Foslien-USA TODAY Sports
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On a memorable night at Audi Field, the North Carolina Courage finally claimed their first away win of the 2024 season, beating the Washington Spirit by a narrow 1-0 scoreline. The star of the show was Ashley Sanchez, who, in a triumphant return to the Nation's Capital, scored the only goal of the game, bringing joy and relief to Courage fans. This victory was a real battle, marked by tension, emotion and a relentless defense that held Spirit until the final whistle.

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From the start, the game promised to be a clash of titans. With the Courage's attack and defense showing their claws, the team remained on the attack for the first 20 minutes. A dangerous onslaught from the Washington Spirit almost changed the course of the game, but Tyler Lussi's saving header ensured the ball didn't cross the goal line. And it was in the 19th minute that history began to be written.

Ryan Williams' relentless pressure forced a crucial mistake from Washington, giving the ball to Sanchez. With the calm of a veteran and precision, she broke into the opposing penalty area and, with a calculated shot, sent the ball into the back of the net, after a slight deflection off Aubrey Kingsbury's glove. This goal, her third of the season, not only secured the victory, but was also a symbol of the North Carolina Courage's resilience and determination.

The rest of the first half was a real test of endurance. Courage's defense, like a medieval castle, bravely resisted Spirit's attacks, taking the lead into the break. In the second half, the team returned with the same defensive posture, frustrating their opponents' attempts to level the score. Spirit, determined to reverse the situation, increased the pressure in the final minutes, winning a dangerous free-kick and three corners. However, the Courage's defense remained unwavering, securing a special result for the remainder of the NWSL season.

Denise O'Sullivan and Narumi were giants in midfield, racking up interceptions and tackles, while Casey Murphy, with her spectacular saves, kept the sixth clean sheet of the season for the Courage, the first away from home. This win also marked the third game in a row in which the Courage scored points, the longest streak of the season.

The Washington Spirit, on the other hand, found themselves frustrated in front of a record crowd of 15,717 fans. Despite balanced possession in the first 15 minutes, the Spirit failed to capitalize on their opportunities, attempting 20 shots in all, the most in a match this NWSL season. Sanchez's goal in the 19th minute, in his first game back at Audi Field since being traded in January, was a major blow for the Spirit.

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