North Carolina Courage 2-1 Boston Legacy FC
Ashley Sanchez delivered a dramatic brace, including a decisive penalty in the 90+17th minute, as North Carolina Courage edged Boston Legacy FC 2-1 in a wild NWSL finish at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday.
The Courage made an assertive start in Cary and were rewarded inside 10 minutes. Sanchez struck in the 10th minute to give the home side an early advantage, putting North Carolina in control at the interval after a first half in which they created the more threatening openings.
Boston had more of the ball overall, finishing with 51.1 percent possession, but North Carolina carried the greater attacking threat. The Courage registered 16 shots and put eight on target, compared with Boston’s seven efforts and three on frame. North Carolina also dominated the corner count, winning eight to Boston’s two.
The visitors appeared to have earned a valuable point when substitute Aïssata Traoré found the equaliser in the 90+2nd minute. That late goal set up a prolonged, tense period of stoppage time, with the match eventually running to 90+19′.
But the final twist belonged to Sanchez. After Boston’s Alba Caño was booked in the 90+11th minute, Sanchez stepped up to convert from the penalty spot in the 90+17th minute, restoring the Courage lead and sealing all three points in front of an announced attendance of 8,050.
The result moves North Carolina’s record to 10-3-7, while Boston Legacy FC fall to 5-5-11. The Courage next host Angel City FC on Wednesday, August 26, while Boston face Angel City FC on Monday, August 31.
Goals: North Carolina Courage: Ashley Sanchez 10′, 90+17′ (pen). Boston Legacy FC: Aïssata Traoré 90+2′.
