Tyler Lussi’s first-half goal propelled the North Carolina Courage to a 1-0 victory against OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday.
In the 34th minute at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, Courage forward Rikke Madsen sent a pass to Lussi just over the halfway line. The striker overcame his defense on a counterattack and finished off at the far post.
North Carolina (3-3-1), which had 69% possession in the first half, also had two first-half goals disallowed for offside.
OL Reign (4-2-1) got his first shot on goal in the 61st minute when goalkeeper Casey Murphy had to deflect a Jordyn Huitema header. Huitema had a similar look five minutes later, but Murphy made the save again.
The Reign lost for the first time since their NWSL regular season opener.
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Belle Briede scored her first goal of the season in San Diego’s road win against Kansas City.
The game was played in front of 12,969 fans at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
A Sofia Jakobsson shot in the 26th minute was blocked and bounced off Alex Morgan inside the penalty area. Morgan’s one-touch shot bounced off the post and then off goalkeeper Adrianna Franch before sliding towards goal.
Briede doubled the Wave’s lead in the 44th minute, clipping a clipped pass from Christen Westphal into the left corner with his first touch.
The Current had 20 shots, but goalie Kailen Sheridan made four saves for San Diego (4-3-0) to earn a clean sheet. The loss moves the Current to 2-5-0.
NJ/NY Gotham and Orlando drew 0-0 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
The Pride outscored Gotham 13-3, including nine shots in the first half.
Gotham’s Abby Smith finished with six saves, including an extended diving save in the 92nd minute from a powerful Ally Watt header.
The draw moved Gotham to third in the league standings at 4-2-1. Orlando (2-4-1) is unbeaten in three games.
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