Sep 29, 2024; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin Nicoli (9) reacts after scoring a goal against the Chicago Red Stars during the second half at SeatGeek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
The North Carolina Courage benefited from an own goal to open the scoring, built a three-goal lead and beat the host Chicago Red Stars 3-1 on Sunday in Bridgeview, Illinois.
Denise O’Sullivan and Kerolin scored the Courage goals, with each player scoring for the first time this season. Those goals helped North Carolina (11-9-2, 35 points) end a two-game winless streak. North Carolina has earned at least one point in four of its last five games.
Ludmila scored for the Red Stars, who struggled to generate quality scoring opportunities. Courage goalie Casey Murphy made two saves.
Chicago (9-11-2, 29 points) had a chance to tie the Courage in the standings, but that didn’t work out as a two-game winning streak (both scoreless) was halted.
The Courage made it 1-0 after Cari Roccaro’s own goal in the 14th minute. O’Sullivan’s goal in the 41st minute widened the difference, benefiting from an assist from Tyler Lussi.
Kerolin’s goal in the 64th minute came after an assist from Olivia Wingate, who came on as a substitute in the 18th minute. Kerolin was in her second game for the Courage.
Ludmila opened the scoring for Chicago in the 67th minute, assisted by Taylor Malham. Ludmila moved down the left side and sent a shot past the North Carolina defense to the other side of the net.
Ludmila has only played in four games, but has scored in consecutive games.
The Courage also defeated Chicago 3-1 in June.
–Field level media
