NWSL Challenge Cup news: Courage ruthless against Washington, Racing remain perfect

NWSL Challenge Cup East Division news: Courage thrash Washington Spirit at home, Two goals in two minutes lift Gotham to one point behind NC

North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit

6-0 North Carolina Courage 

Absolutely clinical. That pretty much sums up North Carolina Courage’s performance at home in week four of the Challenge Cup. It was the fourth time in 2023 that Sean Nahas’ team accumulated three or more goals in a single match. Neither team could muster up a goal in the first 60 minutes, but in the 61′, it became a complete clinic for North Carolina. Six different players combined for six goals in the span of just 22 minutes for the hottest team in the entire NWSL. Brittany Ratcliffe’s ankle-breaking goal was just the beginning. There were no answers for the Spirit during that stretch as NC continuously got the ball wide into and into dangerous areas inside the 18-yard box.

There was a left-footed screamer, an outside-the-foot world-class through ball, and a stunning rocket by Brianna Pinto. When many thought it could not get worse for Washington after Pinto’s goal, Narumi Miura put the cherry on the top of the cake. Despite the 12 shots, Washington would have looked lifeless going forward if it was not for Ashley Hatch’s presence up top. No Denise O’Sullivan, no Emily Fox, no Kerolin, no problem. The Courage are flying as they sit atop the East Division, and the NWSL table nearing the end of July.

NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride

3-1 NJ/NY Gotham FC

After the Courage’s display on Saturday, Juan Carlos Amorós’ Gotham FC needed to respond. It was not a six-goal outing, but the New York/New Jersey outfit got the job done. Behind talented rookie Jenna Nighswonger, and numerous dangerous attackers for Gotham, the away side in week four remained one of four teams without a loss in Challenge Cup play. Nighswonger has to be in consideration as one of the most undroppable players on this team right now. She had a goal, and an assist, led her team in total progressive passes, and tackles plus interceptions. The former Florida State midfielder is far and away one of the top Rookie of the Year candidates. She was technically playing left-back on Sunday evening, but that in no way affected Nighswonger’s contribution to the attack.

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Megan Oyster converted in front of the Orlando crowd for the game’s first breakthrough, but it seemed like only a matter of time before Gotham’s creativity up top would pay dividends. Margaret Purce, who was once again magnificent on the flank for Amorós’ team earned the penalty to draw her side even in the first half. McCall Zerboni’s stunning goal from way outside the box was the highlight of the contest as that gave Gotham the lead the rest of the way. Two minutes later, Zerboni combined with Yazmeen Ryan in the tight space at the top of the box to put the stamp on Gotham’s second cup victory in 2023.