Racing Louisville FC VS NC Courage, October 6, 2021 Photo Gallery

Check out our gameday photos for the Racing Louisville FC VS NC Courage, October 6, 2021 Match

Wednesday night’s NC Courage home game definitely had a different feel to it. Many were dressed in black, there supporting the players in the aftermath of revelations that came out about former head coach Paul Riley that continue to unfold and have ramifications across the NWSL and multiple teams.

The facet to take away from Wednesday’s night match was the support the players gave each other, pausing in at the 6-minute mark. Just prior to the game, the NWSL Players Association released a statement saying the following:

“Teams will stop play in each of tonight’s games at the 6th minute. Players will join together in solidarity at the center circle for one minute in recognition of the six years it took for Mana [Shim], Sinead [Farrelly], and all those who fought for too long to be heard. We call on fans to stand in silence with us. During that time, we ask you to stand in that pain and discomfort with us, as we consider what too many of us have been asked to sit with for far too long.”

Starting XI

The starting XI for the Courage consisted of Lynn Williams, Jess McDonald, Debinha, Amy Rodriguez, Denise O’Sullivan, Angharad James, Carson Pickett, Abby Erceg (C), Kaleigh Kurtz, Merritt Mathias, and Casey Murphy in goal.

Positive On-Field Results

In the end, the North Carolina Courage beat the Racing Louisville FC squad for the third time. Lynn Williams started of the evening’s scoring with a second-effort strike from a Rodriguez shot that Racing Louisville FC’s goalkeeper, Katie Lund deflected. Williams’ goal, along with one other shot on goal tied her with Sam Kerr’s record for most career NWSL shots at 410.

Five minutes later, Rodriguez struck again, able to find the back of the net on her second shot of the goal, being assisted by McDonald.

In the 24th minute, Savannah McCaskill scored Louisville FC’s only goal of the night.

The third and final score of the night came from Debinha scored a goal coming off a McDonald header that then got headed out partially by the defense.

The match was also a milestone game for Denise O’Sullivan, with her 100th NWSL game, and

Next for North Carolina Courage

The North Carolina Courage will be on the road this weekend, heading to Texas to face the Houston Dash on Sunday, October 10 at 7:00 PM ET at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX, with the match being broadcast on Paramount+.

After canceling all games last week, the Courage will be making up their Friday, October 1 home match against the Washington Spirit on Wednesday, October 13th with a 7:30 PM start time at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

All photos by Gregory Ng @FollowGregSports

Check out all of our North Carolina Courage photo galleries.