The North Carolina Courage have made it to the NWSL Challenge Cup final for the second successive year courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Brianna Pinto, securing a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Current.

Final Showdown with Racing Louisville

On Saturday (12:30 p.m. ET, CBS), the Courage will face Racing Louisville, who emerged victorious over the OL Reign 1-0 in another semifinal.

The Winning Strategy

The Courage and the Current both fielded their strongest teams, including Women’s World Cup players who had missed group stage fixtures. This strategy paid off for the Courage, who quickly established a rhythm.

Key Moments of The Game

The second half started slow, but the Current eventually found their stride. The sides began trading shots, with the Current coming close to a goal in the 81st minute. Despite the pressure, the Courage’s defense held strong.

The Courage maintained dominance in the second half, pushing for a goal as a penalty shootout loomed. The breakthrough came when substitute Pinto scored from close range in the sixth minute of stoppage time, securing their spot in the final.

Claiming the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Trophy

The North Carolina Courage upset the Washington Spirit, 2-1, to claim the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup trophy.

Takeaways from The Courage’s Victory

Depth in the team roster played a key role in this season’s Challenge Cup. Players like Brittney Ratcliffe, who excelled during the World Cup players’ absence, were instrumental to the Courage’s success.

Importance of Substitutes

Substitute players, like Pinto, proved to be game-changers. Pinto capitalized on her 18-minute cameo with three shots and the game’s only goal.

Challenge in Finishing

Despite their aggressive attacking, the Courage struggled to convert their attempts into goals, nearly leading the match to penalties. On the other hand, the Current managed to do more with fewer attempts.

The Current’s Defensive Strength

The Current showcased a strong defensive performance, keeping the Courage’s aggressive offense at bay for most of the match. However, Pinto’s stoppage time goal turned the tide.