The Lion's Pitch

Far From Done

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:04:37 GMT

The NC Courage bounce back with a fun-to-watch 2-2 draw against our bitter rivals, the Portland Thorns. Katie and Trevor break down the match before looking far into the future to the Houston road match after the international break.

In This Episode

Looking Back: NC Courage vs Portland Thorns

We break down Manaka Matsukubo's magic and Ashley Sanchez's stunning strike. The Courage's defensive work kept Portland's dangerous front line largely in check. This performance felt like a step forward despite the draw.

Standout Stats

The Courage generated 1.8 xG on just 12 shots while holding Portland to 1.48 xG on 16, including just 0.36 xG in the second half despite a heavy press. We dig into what the numbers say about where this team is heading.

Looking Ahead: Houston Dash

Houston has 3 wins and 1 loss after a wild penalty-driven comeback win over Racing Louisville, but can they sustain it? We break down midfielder Kiki Van Zanten, the center-back pairing featuring a familiar face in Malia Berkely, to watch, and what the possession battle might look like when two teams who want to play the same style go head-to-head.

Courage News

A busy international window with Manaka Matsukubo, Evelyn Ijeh, Kailen Sheridan, Carly Wickenheiser, Lauren Thompson, and Riley Jackson all heading off on international duty. We run through the call-ups and what we're looking forward to watching.

Around the League

Angel City fall, San Diego climb, and Denver quietly put together three clean sheets. We look at the early movers on the table and share our cautious takes on who can actually sustain it.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing Pains

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:52:56 GMT

The NC Courage suffered their first loss, 1-3 to Bay FC. Trevor and Katie break down what went wrong and what gave them hope. Then they look to bounce back at home against our bitter rivals, the Portland Thorns.

In This Episode

Looking Back: NC Courage vs Gotham FC

A frustrating result, but there are things to build on. We break down the defensive shape, midfield control issues, and offensive questions still needing answers, alongside the bright spots from Mak Lind, Ally Schlegel, and Ryan Williams.

Standout Stats

Possession was nearly even, making the scoreline even more concerning. We dive in to see what it all means.

Looking Ahead: Bay FC

Portland currently sits fourth in 2026 and has averaged just 37% possession across their opening matches, which could play right into the Courage's hands or set a trap. We break down their forward line and debate the back four versus back five question.

Courage News

The international break is coming after Portland. We catch up on what that means for Manaka Matsukubo and the Courage heading into the next stretch of the season.

Around the League

A record-breaking attendance milestone and a follow-up on the red card conversation from last week.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Draw to Build On

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The NC Courage draw Gotham FC on the road, remaining unbeaten in their first two matches of the season. Trevor and Katie break down the match, look ahead to a struggling Bay FC, and dig into an encouraging culture shift within the Courage.

In This Episode

Looking Back: NC Courage vs Gotham FC

Debuts from Evelyn Ijeh, Sydney Schmidt, and Uno Shiragaki injected new energy into the match. We break down Mak Lind's surprise back five and the growing Carly Wickhenheiser and Riley Jackson partnership.

Standout Stats

Gotham had 59% possession and twice as many passes in the Courage's half, so why didn't it feel that way? We dig into what the numbers actually tell us.

Looking Ahead: Bay FC

Bay comes to WakeMed missing key defenders and with questions up front. We break down what to expect from Saturday's home match and make our picks for the starting XI.

Courage News

Lind and Ryan Williams both spoke this week about celebrating small wins and building a culture of positive reinforcement.

Around the League

Six red cards through two match days compared to 11 in all of 2025. We look at what's driving the surge. Plus, congratulations to Manaka Matsukubo and Japan on winning the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sanchez, Sheridan, and Three Points

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The NC Courage kicked off the 2026 NWSL season with a 2-1 win over Racing Louisville. Trevor and Katie are joined by special guest Bill Nottingham, stats analyst and writer at splat.cc, to break down the win. We also look ahead to a tough road match against defending champions Gotham FC, and catch up on the latest Courage news.

Follow Bill on bsky @notting.bsky.social.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Racing Louisville

The season started with an Ashley Sanchez brace and a debut to remember for Kailen Sheridan. We break down everything that went right, what still needs work, and why we are feeling good about where this team is headed.

📊 Standout Stats

The numbers from the Louisville match tell a surprisingly confusing story. We dig into what the stats actually mean and what we can and cannot take away from week one.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Gotham FC

Defending champions, a dangerous new attacking core, and an away match in week two. We break down what the Courage need to do differently against Gotham and why getting Evelyn Ijeh back could be a difference maker.

📰 Courage News

It was a big week off the pitch for the Courage. We catch up on the latest roster and leadership news coming out of the club.

🌎 Around the League

Opening weekend delivered across the board. We look at the biggest storylines from around the league and what they might mean for the 2026 NWSL season.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kits & Kickoff

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

The NC Courage are back. A potential $40 million investment, a brand new kit, and a season opener against Racing Louisville, this is the episode to get you ready for the 2026 NWSL season.

In This Episode

📰 Courage News

Kick off the new NWSL season with big news for NC Courage fans, including a potential $40 million investment that could reshape the club's future and a fresh new Venus flytrap-inspired third kit that everyone seems to love.

📋Predicted Lineup

We break down their predicted starting eleven for our NWSL opener against Louisville, debating midfield choices between Carly Wickenheiser and Shinomi Koyama, as well as a potential attacking four.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Racing Louisville

We preview the NWSL season opener against Racing Louisville, breaking down what makes the Courage's first opponent so tricky to play against and why, despite the challenge, they both like NC Courage's chances on Saturday.

🌎 Around the League

Trevor and Katie wrap up with a look around the league, reflecting on a promising She Believes Cup run for the US Women's National Team and what it could mean heading into the road to the 2027 World Cup.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NC Courage: Great Expectations

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Summary

The Courage are gearing up for 2026 with new faces like Evelyn Ijeh, Ally Schlegel, Carly Wickenheiser, and Kailen Sheridan, while returning leaders Riley Jackson, Manaka, and Feli Rauch are ready to make an impact. We preview early-season challenges, bold goals for the team, and exciting updates on stadium plans and international call-ups.

In This Episode

🔮 Looking Ahead: 2026 NWSL Season

The Courage kick off a new era with a revamped roster and a coach focused on scoring and cohesion. Early wins, goal distribution, and navigating tough travel and expansion matchups will set the tone for the season.

📰 Courage News

We cover some big updates for the Courage this week, including updates on a new stadium development and international call-ups.

🌎 Around the League

We touch on some key league news, including Croix Bethune moving to Kansas City, Claire Hutton joining Bay FC, and Savy King being cleared to return to Angel City.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NC Courage: Roster Reset

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Katie and Trevor break down the North Carolina Courage’s roster overhaul, from entirely new keepers to scoring superstars. Who’s gone, who’s new, and who will lead the team? Get analysis and a peek at what we hope this revamped squad can do in 2026. Courage Country, this is your must-listen season kickoff!

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Final Whistle, Next Chapter

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 21:37:07 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the Courage close the season with a thrilling win over Gotham FC, showcasing skill, cohesion, and potential despite missing the playoffs. We break down standout stats, discuss hopes and key moves for 2026, highlight team milestones, and preview the NWSL playoffs as the league’s top teams battle for the championship.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Gotham FC

The Courage closed the season with a thrilling win over Gotham, dominating with sharp passing, strategic attacks, and opportunistic finishing. Despite controlling the game and showcasing their best play of the season, the team’s fate was tied to other results, and they ultimately missed the playoffs. Still, the performance highlighted the team’s skill, cohesion, and potential heading into next year.

📊 Standout Stats

Despite giving up a high volume of shots—especially inside the box—the Courage’s defense held strong, blocking key opportunities and limiting real threats. Offensively, the team was efficient, converting three of their twelve shots into goals, showing precision and finishing that capped off the season on a high note.

🔮 Looking Ahead: 2026 Season

As the Courage head into the offseason, there’s a lot to consider for 2026, from potential roster moves to key free-agent decisions. The discussion focused on hopes for a more consistent starting 11, stronger set-piece defending, spreading goal-scoring responsibilities, and adding veterans or marquee players to support the team’s young core.

📰 Courage News

The season brought plenty of milestones and highlights for the team. Record-breaking performances, standout contributions, and individual achievements underscored the talent on the pitch and set an exciting tone as the Courage look toward 2026.

🌎 Around the League

The playoffs are set, and the league’s top teams are gearing up for some intense matchups. With dominant performances and late-season momentum shaping the postseason, fans can expect high-stakes action and plenty of excitement as teams vie for the championship.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too Late or Just in Time?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the Courage lit up the scoreboard with a historic hat trick, dominating across every stat, but is it too late to secure playoff glory? We break down the numbers, preview the do-or-die showdown against Gotham, explore key team news, and reflect on the fans' ongoing commitment to inclusivity and growth.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Bay FC

The Courage came alive behind a record-breaking hat trick from Manaka, the youngest player in league history to do it. Big win. Bigger question: Is it too late?

📊 Standout Stats

The Courage dominated across the board, showing precision, control, and efficiency in every aspect of the game. From shot placement to possession and attacking in the box, the numbers tell the story of a team firing on all cylinders.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Gotham FC

The Courage face a do-or-die showdown against Gotham, where every goal counts and playoff fate hinges not just on their win, but on other results around the league. Decision Day drama at its finest.

📰 Courage News

The Courage is gearing up for the future with new additions. Exciting developments on and off the field signal a dynamic end to the season and a fresh start ahead.

🌎 Around the League

The week in women’s soccer reminds us that the game is bigger than scores and stats. It’s an inclusive space where players of all backgrounds belong, and it’s on all of us to protect that. Off-field developments and changes keep the league evolving, but the commitment to fairness, respect, and opportunity remains at the heart of the sport.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rain, Drama, and a Draw

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, The NC Courage battle a rain-soaked Washington Spirit to a dramatic draw, with clutch plays and a dominant midfield. Plus, we break down key stats, look ahead to a must-win matchup, and share the latest league news shaping the season.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Washington Spirit

The Courage battle through rain, drama, and playoff pressure to draw the league’s No. 2 team. We break down lineup shakeups, clutch saves, and a late equalizer that keeps the postseason dream alive—barely.

📊 Standout Stats

The Courage go toe-to-toe in a dead-even battle: 50/50 possession, level XG, and one fierce midfield trio stealing the show. Riley Jackson, Shinomi, and Manaka dominate the rain-soaked chaos, proving the future of the Courage is already here.

🔮 Looking Ahead: San Diego Wave

The Courage face a struggling Bay FC with everything on the line, and while the opponent has nothing to lose, North Carolina has no room for error.

📰 Courage News

The latest from the Courage highlights exciting developments on and off the field, with players making strides and fans keeping the energy high.

🌎 Around the League

Around the league, playoff races are heating up, leadership decisions are shaping the future, and long-time players are stepping away, leaving a lasting legacy. There’s drama, growth, and change at every level.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Must Win For Really Real

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the NC Courage fall, but the playoff race is still mostly alive. We break down the challenges, the team’s fight to stay in contention, and preview the crucial upcoming matchup, plus the latest league news and standout stats as the postseason battle heats up.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Louisville

The Courage faced tactical tests, tough goals, and late-season pressure in a rollercoaster match against Louisville, but even after a hard loss, there’s still plenty of fight left and hope for a playoff push.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Washington Spirit

The Courage face a tough test this weekend against one of the league’s strongest teams, and every move on the field will count in this high-stakes matchup.

📰 Courage News

The Courage are filling the stands and bringing the energy, with fans creating an electric atmosphere this season!

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courage Under Pressure

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:30:06 GMT

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the NC Courage face a tough 2-0 loss to Seattle, but the playoff fight isn’t over. We break down key players, tactical shifts, and late-game struggles, then preview the must-win clash against Racing Louisville. Plus, the latest league news and standout stats keep fans in the know as the postseason push heats up.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Seattle Reign

The Courage struck first but couldn’t hold off Seattle’s late surge. We break down the highs, heartbreaks, and what this loss means for the playoff push.

📊 Standout Stats

Seattle’s clinical finishing stole the win despite the Courage dominating possession. We break down the stats, near-misses, and the key moments that show why this team is still fighting for a playoff spot.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Racing Louisville

With only four games left, the Courage face a must-win showdown against Racing Louisville to secure a playoff spot. We break down the key matchups, tactical questions, and why this game could define their postseason chances.

📰 Courage News

We’ve got the latest updates from the Courage, including standout performances and key developments shaping the team’s season.

🌎 Around the League

From Kansas City clinching the Shield to a playoff race that’s still wide open, we break down the biggest NWSL storylines.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clutch Defense, Clutch Win

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:33:39 GMT

In this episode of the Lion’s Pitch, Trevor and Katie break down the North Carolina Courage’s hard-fought 1-0 road win over Orlando Pride, highlighting standout defensive moments, emerging leadership, and the team’s growing depth. From clutch saves to goal-line heroics and a perfectly executed finishing play, the hosts analyze how sharper shooting and mental toughness are propelling the Courage in a razor-thin playoff race. They also preview the team’s upcoming must-win West Coast road test against Seattle Reign, dissecting key matchups, tactical challenges, and the pressure-packed push toward the final stretch of the season.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Orlando Pride

The Courage’s 1-0 road win over Orlando highlighted defensive grit, emerging leadership, and crucial momentum in a razor-thin playoff race.

📊 Standout Stats

Standout stats underscored the Courage’s progress, with sharper shooting and efficiency turning opportunities into results.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Chicago Stars

Looking ahead to a must-win road test in Seattle, the Courage face midfield battles, aerial threats, and playoff pressure that will define their late-season push.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sealing the Win

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the NC Courage are making moves, breaking records, and showing off some serious skills on the pitch in their 2-1 win against Angel City FC. From big trades to standout plays and the road ahead, we’ve got all the insights, highlights, and behind-the-scenes chatter you don’t want to miss. Tune in and catch the action!

In This Episode

📰 Courage News

We break down the Courage’s biggest roster shake-up yet — from Jaedyn Shaw’s record-breaking trade to fresh new faces and Kaleigh Kurtz’s streak-smashing milestone — and why it all sets the stage for the club’s future.”

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Angel City FC

From Manaka Matsukubo’s opener to Meredith Speck’s clever clock management, the Courage showed what happens when teamwork, strategy, and clutch plays all click at once.

📊 Standout Stats

With seven of 10 shots on target and just three corners allowed, the Courage showed precision, poise, and control that could pay off in their next clash against Orlando Pride.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Orlando Pride

The Courage head to Orlando ready to control the game, exploit opportunities, and prove that strategy and teamwork can beat even a tricky, talented opponent.

🌎 Around the League

Whether it’s on-field feats or off-field developments, there’s plenty keeping fans engaged this week.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Late Goal Woes

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:59:40 GMT

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, Trevor and Katie cover inspiring team milestones to the shocking Jaedyn Shaw trade, plus a look at lineups, tactics, and what to expect in the next big match. Stay in the loop and hear the latest Courage news!

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Utah Royals

Rain, lightning, and a whirlwind of action, the Courage battle Utah in a nail-biting 1-1 draw, featuring Marissa Jordan’s stellar debut and Jaden Shaw’s clutch penalty that had fans on the edge of their seats.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Utah Royals

With Angel City reeling from Alyssa Thompson’s departure but still loaded with threats like Christen Press and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, the Courage face a high-stakes matchup for playoff positioning. We break down key battles, lineup possibilities, and how the home-field advantage could tip the scales in this exciting East Coast showdown.

📰 Courage News

Catch this episode to hear the latest updates, milestones, and highlights from the North Carolina Courage.

🌎 Around the League

Stay up to speed on the latest NWSL news, from league updates to big moments across teams, and hear all the developments shaping the season.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chasing Three Points

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:51:17 GMT

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, Trevor and Katie break down the Courage’s rollercoaster weekend, recapping their hard-fought draws against Chicago and loss to Kansas City. They analyze the highs, lows, and key moments that shaped both games. They also dive into exciting roster news, including new signings and contract extensions.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Chicago Red Stars & Kansas City Current

Trevor and Katie dive into the Courage’s recent battles with Chicago and Kansas City, unpacking the highs, frustrations, and what the results mean for the playoff push.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Utah Royals

Trevor and Katie preview the Courage’s upcoming clash with Utah, weighing the challenges of a tricky opponent and the potential for a strong offensive showing. With playoff hopes on the line, they debate lineup strategies, defensive setups, and how the team can find consistency to secure three crucial points.

📰 Courage News

Trevor and Katie dive into the latest Courage roster news, celebrating Feli Rauch's contract extension and Payton Linnehan’s arrival while tracking the moves of Brooklyn Courtnall.

🌎 Around the League

Trevor and Katie break down the biggest moves and buzz in the NWSL, from standout signings and surprising transfers to the excitement building around new tournaments.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top Team, Tough Test

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week on The Lion’s Pitch Podcast, we drop a mini-episode as the team takes a short vacation, but we’re still bringing the preview you need for the upcoming Kansas City clash. The Courage are gearing up to face the league’s top squad, analyzing key matchups, tactical tweaks, and players to watch. From aggressive midfield plays to defensive strategies against powerhouse forwards, we break down what could tip the balance in this high-stakes showdown.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's holding the Courage back?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:43:41 GMT

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, we break down clutch comebacks, standout stats, and playoff pushes, while highlighting player milestones and community impact. Plus, stay up to date with Courage news and the latest league headlines, both domestic and global. Tune in to catch every moment on and off the pitch.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Portland Thorns

Portland struck first, but the Courage weren’t backing down. High-pressure attacks, slick winger runs, and a clutch finish from Tyler Lussi turned the tide—tying it late and keeping the energy sky-high. Dive into our full breakdown to see how creativity, subs, and quick transitions shaped this epic comeback!

📊 Standout Stats

The Courage are dominating chances but still can’t find the back of the net—what’s holding them back? Tune in to see the numbers that tell the story.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Chicago Stars

Chicago’s in flux, but the Courage know a win is non-negotiable. Can they take advantage and keep the playoff push alive?

📰 Courage News

You don’t want to miss—milestones, community impact, and more!

🌎 Around the League

From NWSL heat delays to global acts of courage, soccer is making headlines both on and off the field.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courage in Chaos

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, Sean Nahas exits, we break down Houston heartbreak, explore a listener question on throw-ins, and peek at key league shake-ups.

In This Episode

📰 Courage News

The North Carolina Courage surprised fans by abruptly parting ways with head coach Sean Nahas over vague 'performance and culture' concerns, leaving questions after a tense press conference.

With Sean Nahas gone, Katie shares her pick and weighs whether the club should act now or wait for the offseason to revamp the system and offense.

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Houston Dash

In a week already full of challenges, the Courage fielded an unusual lineup in Houston and struck first with a penalty, only to see the Dash pull level, then break hearts with a stoppage-time winner.

📊 Standout Stats

The Courage piled up some standout stats with shots and corners flying early, but despite a strong start, the game slipped away in typical soccer fashion.

🔮 Looking Ahead: San Diego Wave

The Courage head back to WakeMed to take on their fierce rivals, a team loaded with attacking firepower, and with playoff hopes still alive.

📧 Listener Question Spotlight

Someone asked if the Courage have a “worse-than-average” throw-in success rate. It sparked a deeper conversation about the team’s offensive movement.

🌎 Around the League

We cover some exciting comings and goings in the league, including familiar faces making moves.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hunt for Goals

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, catch the latest on the NC Courage and NWSL with updates on team news, player comebacks, major trades, league expansions, and fan excitement — all wrapped up with insights on what’s next this season.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs San Diego Wave

This intense match saw the Courage’s defense hold strong against relentless San Diego Wave pressure, while intriguing tactical shifts and surprising substitutions kept the game unpredictable.

📊 Standout Stats

San Diego dominated possession and offensive stats, yet the Courage’s defense held strong, limiting quality shots and showcasing stellar goalkeeping from Casey Murphy. Plus, hear veteran Ryan Williams share how the team's culture and coaching continue to drive her growth after 100 matches.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Houston Dash

With Houston struggling and missing key offensive pieces, the upcoming rematch feels like a crucial test for the Courage to build on their strong draw against San Diego.

📰 Courage News

The Courage are building incredible momentum both on and off the field, with fans showing up in full force and creating an electric atmosphere.

🌎 Around the League

From exciting expansion news and a legendary retirement to a stunning comeback and a blockbuster trade shaking up the league, this episode covers all the latest must-know stories.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midseason Check-In: What’s Next

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:06:37 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, get the latest on the Courage’s midseason break games against Liga MX Femenil, learn about key player moves, and how they’re gearing up for a fresh start against San Diego. Plus, big NWSL signings and league updates that show the game’s evolving landscape. Don’t miss our midseason deep dive!

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: The Season So Far

The NC Courage faces tough decisions balancing rising young talent and veteran stars while struggling to unlock a dynamic offense with key players like Ashley Sanchez and Jaden Shaw. With a quiet transfer window and a wave of important free agents looming, the future of the team hangs in the balance. Find out what this means for their playoff hopes and beyond.

Liga MX Femenil

The NC Courage showed promising offensive sparks in their Liga MX exhibition games, including the team's rare set-piece goal from Tyler Lussi and Brooklyn Courtnall's first professional score in a thrilling win over Chivas. This burst of energy and goal-scoring should boost their confidence as they head into their next official match against the San Diego Wave.

🔮 Looking Ahead: San Diego Wave

After a tough 5-2 loss to San Diego earlier this season, the Courage face a critical home match where they’ll need to rebound and adapt to San Diego’s aggressive, high-scoring style. This episode breaks down key players to watch, tactical challenges, and what the Courage can learn to turn things around in the season’s second half.

🌎 Around the League

This week, we highlight major NWSL moves including Mia Fishel’s long-term signing with Seattle and Boston’s exciting international additions as new teams join the league. Plus, we share our excitement for the season’s second half and look ahead to the Courage’s next challenges.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second Half Surge Against Dash

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, we recap the North Carolina Courage’s strong second-half showing against Houston, with smart offense and sustained pressure. Plus, get updates on upcoming friendlies against Liga MX, player milestones, and what’s next during the midseason break.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage 2, Houston Dash 1

How the Courage turned up the pressure and controlled the game after halftime, camping out in Houston’s half and creating scoring chances with clinical precision.

📊 Standout Stats

We highlight the team’s impressive forward momentum, including how they kept possession high in the attacking third and focused on taking smart, well-placed shots rather than wild attempts.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Liga MX Friendlies

The NWSL takes a break until August 2nd, but the Courage will play two exciting friendlies against top Liga MX teams, so we offer a glimpse into new players and strategies to watch.

📰 Courage News

Player milestones and international call-ups highlight a busy offseason for the team.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victory in the City of Angels!

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:36:56 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the Courage secure their first-ever win at LA’s BMO Stadium with a 2-1 victory over Angel City. We break down key stats, preview the upcoming Houston Dash matchup, and share the latest team and league news. Plus, enjoy a Pride interview with Grace that you won’t want to miss!

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: Angel City FC 1, Courage 2

A thrilling win over Angel City marked the Courage’s first-ever victory at BMO Stadium. We dive into player performances, lineup choices, and why this match felt like a turning point.

📊 Standout Stats

We highlight key numbers and stats from the Angel City match that reveal how the Courage controlled the game and found success on the field.

🎤 Mic'd Up: Grace

Drag performer Grace (aka G Clef) joins us to talk Pride, soccer, and what it means to be visible in the world of sports. It’s an honest and inspiring conversation full of joy, resilience, and a few laughs.

Follow Grace on Instagram @tori2grace

🔮 Looking Ahead: Houston Dash

We preview the upcoming showdown with the Houston Dash—another team running a back three—and discuss which Courage players could break through. Plus, will we finally see the return of the box midfield? Katie sure hopes so.

📰 Courage News

Irish international Denise O’Sullivan has been called up for friendlies against the USWNT and Canada.

⚽ News Around the League

A quiet week around the league sets the stage for upcoming national team camps and roster updates..

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling For Goals

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, the Courage face a tough 3-1 loss to the Spirit, but the rivalry still packs a punch. We break down the physical battle, standout stats, and what’s next as the Courage head west to face Angel City. Plus, we’ve got exciting Courage news—including a friendly against Tigres, Feli and Manaka’s league honors, and the latest league updates on new rules and developments. Don’t miss it!

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In This Episode

⚽ Looking Back: Spirit 3, Courage 1

The Courage struggled to match Washington's speed and precision but stayed physical throughout. We break down what worked, what didn’t, and why this rivalry remains one of the league's best.

📊 Standout Stats

Fouls were nearly even, and possession came under pressure. No standout performances, but we highlight key players who made a difference.

🔮 Match Preview: Angel City FC

A key road test for the Courage as they face a dangerous but inconsistent Angel City. We preview the matchups and what the Courage must do to secure a result.

📰 Courage News

Tigres Friendly Coming to Cary

Mark your calendars for Courage vs. Tigres on July 9. We preview one of Liga MX Femenil’s top clubs and hint at a possible World Cup winner taking the field.

League Recognition for Courage Stars

Manaka and Feli earn Goal and Assist of the Week honors, plus Best XI for May. We look at why the league is taking notice.

⚽ News Around the League

Big things are happening across the league, from exciting tournaments to new branding and rules. We cover the latest changes and highlight key moments shaping the league’s future.

About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two Goals, Too Many Mistakes

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back – It’s a rough road trip for the Courage as they fall 5–2 to the San Diego Wave. Katie and Trevor break down a match that started with promise — including a well-executed early goal from Feli and a brilliant equalizer from Manaka — before unraveling under San Diego’s relentless pressure and costly Courage errors.
Standout Stats – The numbers tell a strange story: the Courage actually outshot San Diego and edged them in expected goals (1.8 to 1.6). So how did this one end in a three-goal loss?
Looking Ahead – We preview the matchup against the Washington Spirit, a team in transition after their coach’s impending departure to Lyon. Can the Courage bounce back against an opponent showing signs of instability — and inconsistency — despite sitting higher on the table?
Courage News – Manaka takes home Player of the Week honors, Shaw and Jackson shine in U23 national team duty, and the Courage sign keeper Katie Cappelletti after her training stint with the squad. We also talk about yellow card reductions and what it means for Bell, Shaw, and others.
Around the League – Big headlines out of Washington with a midseason coaching move. Plus, updates on the U.S. Women’s National Team, player call-ups.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Must-Win Win

Thu, 22 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back – The Courage are back in the win column with a convincing 2–0 victory over the Chicago Stars at home. Manaka steals the show with her first two goals of the season — and even more memorable celebrations. We break down what clicked for the team.
Standout Stats – It wasn’t just about the scoreboard. We dig into the rest of the numbers.
Looking Ahead – San Diego Wave awaits. It’s a tough road trip, and we preview how the Courage stack up against one of the league’s most physical sides — and what history tells us about this matchup.
Courage News – Hensley Hancuff announced her retirement.
Around the League – We’ve got the latest updates and storylines you need to know from across the NWSL.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trust The Process

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back – A gut-punch at the death. The Courage settle for a 1–1 draw after Orlando Pride equalizes in stoppage time. But there’s still plenty to be proud of, as the team takes four points off the league’s top two over the last few weeks. We unpack the performance and what it says about this squad’s resilience.
Standout Stats – One number in particular tells the story of the Courage’s growth — and just how comfortable this team has become without the ball.
Looking Ahead – Chaos incoming. The Chicago Stars come to town next week, and while they’ve been struggling, they’re unpredictable. We break down what to expect and how the Courage can stay in control.
Courage News – Trevor shares two big takeaways from the press conference with the new Chief Soccer Officer, Dr. Ceri Bowley.
Around the League – The latest storylines from across the NWSL, from on-field drama to off-field developments.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess McDonald: Courage & Beyond

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In this week’s episode:

Look Back – A statement win in Utah. The Courage earn their second straight victory — and their first first-half goals of the season — with a confident 0–2 performance over the Royals. We break down how the team looked in control from start to finish, and what this game tells us about the squad’s growing cohesion.
Standout Stats – We highlight four key stats that defined the Courage’s dominance in Utah and what they reveal about the team’s shifting identity.
Looking Ahead – Next up: Orlando at home. The Pride may be one of the league’s top teams, but they’re in a slump — and the Courage are heating up. Can we capitalize on the momentum?
Mic'd Up – Jess McDonald joins the show! The World Cup winner, Courage legend, and two-time NCAA champion reflects on her storied career, her time in North Carolina, and where she sees the league heading next.
Courage News – A new era begins. The club names Dr. Ceri Bowley as Chief Soccer Officer, replacing longtime exec Curt Johnson. What does this move signal for the future of the club?
Around the League – Supporters groups across the NWSL unite behind the “Trans People Belong” campaign. Plus, other headlines from around the league.

Follow Jess McDonald on Instagram: @jmac1422

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turning The Tide

Thu, 01 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In this week’s episode:

Look Back – Special guest Aaron Rogoff joins the show for a deeper tactical dive into the Courage’s first win of the season — a 3–2 stunner over league-leading KC Current. We break down the comeback, late heroics from defenders Kaleigh Kurtz and Ryan Williams, and what Ashley Sanchez’s goal means for the attack.
Standout Stats – The numbers behind the win tell a story of grit and precision. We dig into the data that defined this game.
Looking Ahead – With momentum finally on their side, can the Courage replicate this kind of performance against the Utah Royals? Or do we risk falling back into old patterns? Aaron helps us assess the matchup.
Courage News – A big off-the-field win: Lauren and Jrue Holiday invest in the Courage. We unpack what that means for the club’s future.
Around the League – The NWSL has officially submitted an application to launch a Division 2 league. We break down what this could mean for the women’s game in the U.S.

Follow Aaron on Bluesky: @aaronrogoff.bsky.social

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bottom of the Table

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch Podcast is your go-to source for insightful, weekly coverage of the NC Courage, hosted by Katie and Trevor.

In this week’s episode:

Look Back – We break down the 0–1 home loss to Bay FC. Is it time to stick with a consistent starting XI, or do the Courage need to keep experimenting? We get into it.
Standout Stats – The numbers paint a story beyond the scoreboard. We zoom out and talk about what they reveal about the Courage’s season trajectory so far.
Looking Ahead – A tough road test awaits in KC. We preview the matchup against the Current, revisit last year’s showdowns, and dig into how both teams are shaping up.
Courage News – Attendance continues to climb — a sign that the momentum from late last season is sticking.
Around the League – We round things out with the biggest headlines and stories from across the NWSL.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning Road Woes

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch is your weekly deep dive into all things NC Courage! Hosted by Katie and Trevor, each episode brings you the latest on the Courage’s matches, standout stats, and the biggest stories from around the NWSL.

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back: We break down the 3-1 loss to Gotham — what went wrong, what we can learn, and why the performances off the bench (plus that gorgeous Brianna Pinto goal) give us hope moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Bay FC comes to town as the Courage return home hunting for their first win of the season. With both teams leaning into possession-heavy styles, we look at how the midfield battle could decide it all.
Courage News: Shoutout to Ryan Williams for making the NWSL's March Best XI! And we chat about Jaedyn Shaw’s appearance on Sam Mewis' show — a great spotlight on one of our rising stars.
Around the League: We talk about the Unwell FC piece that’s making waves, the buzz around a potential Denver expansion, and more headlines from around the NWSL.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you don't want to miss out! New episode drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goal Posts & Crossbar

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch is your weekly deep dive into all things NC Courage! Hosted by Katie and Trevor, each episode brings you the latest on the Courage’s matches, stats, and news from around the NWSL.

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back: We review the 0-0 draw away at Portland. While the scoreline may not scream excitement, we break down why this was the best performance of the season so far for the Courage.
Stand-Out Stat: We highlight the key stat that made this Portland game stand out!
Looking Ahead: With the international break coming up this weekend, we preview the upcoming game against Gotham. We’re expecting a high-scoring match for the Courage post-break, and we think they'll be ready to take home the win.
Courage News & News Around the League: We discuss the newly designed mascot, Roary. What do you think—love it or leave it? Plus, all the latest happenings in the NWSL.

We also take a moment to reflect on the recent racist and homophobic attacks on Barbra Banda in Gotham. We urge NWSL fans and the league to do better and work towards creating a truly inclusive environment for all.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Good & The Bad

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back: We look closer at the 1-2 loss to Seattle Reign in the home opener. While it may have seemed rough from the stands, we break down the game and highlight why it wasn't as bad as it appeared in real-time.
Stand-Out Stats: Highlighting the key stats you won’t want to miss from the game against Seattle Reign.
Looking Ahead: We turn our focus to the upcoming away match against the Portland Thorns, analyzing what we can expect based on their performance this season.
Courage News & News Around the League: All the latest buzz in NC Courage news and what's happening across the NWSL.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Look of the Team 2025

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Lion’s Pitch is your weekly deep dive into all things NC Courage! Hosted by Katie and Trevor, each episode gives you the latest on the Courage’s matches, stats, and news from around the NWSL.

In this week’s episode:

Looking Back: We analyze the 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville and examine the starting lineup.
Stand-Out Stats: Highlighting the key stats you won’t want to miss from the match.
Looking Ahead: We preview the upcoming home opener against Seattle Reign and what we can expect from the match.
Courage News & News Around the League: All the latest buzz in NC Courage news and what’s happening across the NWSL.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

The 2025 season has begun, so you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking Ahead: NC Courage

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In This Episode

In this episode, we’re recapping last season's games against Racing Louisville and looking ahead to this weekend's matchup. We’ll also discuss the latest Courage news, including Jess McDonald’s induction into the Ring of Honor and Katelyn Rowland’s return as assistant goalkeeper coach. Plus, we’ll touch on news around the NWSL and wrap up with our predictions for where all the teams will land in the 2025 season. Whether you're a die-hard NC Courage fan or just love soccer, this is the podcast for you!

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

With the 2025 NWSL season on the horizon, you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preseason Courage 2025

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In This Episode

We are back! The North Carolina Courage preseason is in full swing and we are ready.

In this episode of The Lion’s Pitch, we’re covering all the latest roster updates for the NC Courage! We discuss the players who have left the team: Kerolin Nicoli, Narumi Miura, Hayley Hopkins, Victoria Pickett, Julia Dorsey, Bianca St-Georges, and Estelle Johnson. On the flip side, we talk about the exciting new signings, including Jaedyn Shaw, Brooklyn Courtnall, Shinomi Koyama, and Hannah Betfort. Plus, the recent contract extensions for Marisa Bova, Manaka Matsukubo, and Ryan Williams.

We also touch on some big news: the Courage’s new ticketing app partnership with startup Jump, the rebranding of WakeMed Soccer Park to First Horizon Stadium, and our thoughts on which former player might be honored at this year’s Ring of Honor ceremony. We wrap up with a discussion on what happened with the Courage sale, NWSL league expansion, and the NWSLPA lawsuit.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

With the 2025 NWSL season on the horizon, you won’t want to miss a single episode. New content drops every Thursday.

Thanks for tuning in—catch you next time, Courage Country!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courage's 2024 Season Ends

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:25 GMT

In This Episode

North Carolina Courage's season has come to an end. The NC Courage lost to KC Current in the quarterfinal match this weekend. Despite the outcome, the Courage played great, and we look forward to the 2025 season.

We go over some standout stats from the game. We take a look at some Courage news and updates. Then we take a look ahead at the semi-final matches and end with news around the league.

NC Courage lose 1-0 against KC Current.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

We discuss all things North Carolina Courage each week. Trevor and Katie will break down each match and discuss what to expect from upcoming opponents. We’ll even have bonus episodes with interviews and other surprises along the way.

We’re looking forward to an exciting 2024 NWSL season with a reformulated Courage squad and two NEW expansion teams to face, so you won’t want to miss an episode. New content is released each Thursday.

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shuffle Ball

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:56 GMT

In This Episode

The Washington Spirit hands the North Carolina Courage their first home loss. Our stand-out players during a tough match were Aline Gomes and Dani Weatherholt.

We look ahead to our quarterfinal match against the KC Current and take a quick look at news around the league. We close with a discussion about the playoffs and share who we think makes it to the final.

The NC Courage lose 0-1 against Wsahington Spirit.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moment of Inevitability

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:17:19 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage lost to Bay FC, keeping the fifth-place position they locked down last week.

We look ahead to Washington Spirit at home on Saturday, followed by Courage and NWSL news and updates. Ashley Sanchez and Casey Murphy were called up to the USWNT for their victory tour. Denise O'Sullivan played with Ireland, Kerolin Nicoli played with Brazil, and Feli Rauch to Germany. Manaka Matsukubo gets her first call up to the senior Japanese National Team.

The NC Courage lose 1-0 against Bay FC.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Late Game Equalizer

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 03:02:59 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage tied Angel City FC, staying in fifth place. Olivia Wingate secured the equalizer in the dying moments of the game, minutes after Christen Press scored her first goal after years of ACL recovery.

We look ahead to Bay FC away on Saturday, followed by Courage and NWSL news and updates. We discuss the Angel FC penalization from the league, the lawsuit filed against the San Diego Wave by former employees, and the botched, transphobic launch of Bos Nation.

The NC Courage tie 1-1 against Angel City FC.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courage Clinch A Playoff Spot

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 02:37:52 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage beat the San Diego Wave. With this win, NC Courage clinched a playoff spot in front of the largest crowd of the season. They introduced a new front line with Kerolin back in the mix. We get goals from Aline Gomes, her first, and Manaka, who is fresh off the U20 Women's World Cup.

We look ahead to Angel City FC at home on Saturday, followed by Courage and NWSL news and updates. Malia Berkley makes it to the Best XI, and Lauren Holiday is expected to play an "active role" with the NC Courage if the sale deal goes through.

The NC Courage win 2-1 against the San Diego Wave.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midstride Backheel Nutmeg

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:40:19 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage beat Chicago Red Stars. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes was in the stands, and the Courage put their best boot forward. They absolutely delivered:

Ryan Williams made a case for a much-needed outside back position for the national team.
Brianna Pinto scores off an assist from Ashley Sanchez (though officially called an OG) and is immediately subbed off due to injury.
Kaleigh Kurtz makes three blocks in the box to deny Chicago a goal.
Ashley Sanchez performs magic with a mid-stride, backheel nutmeg leading to a banger from Denise O'Sullivan (and an assist by Tyler Lussi)
Kerolin smashed the ball in goal with a pinpoint pass assist from Olivia Wingate.

We discuss some standout stats from the game and look ahead to San Diego, whom we just played a few weeks ago. We dedicate a few minutes to our neighbors in Western NC, where we discuss ways to donate to Hurricane Helene relief funds before wrapping up with some news around the league.

The NC Courage win 1-3 against the Racing Louisville.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kero's Back!

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:34:40 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage lose to Racing Louisville. Ashley Sanchez puts Abby Erceg on skates to assist a goal from Brianna Pinto. And Kerolin is finally back!

We look ahead to Sunday's away match against the Chicago Red Stars in Chicago. Then we take a look around the league.

The NC Courage lose 1-2 against the Racing Louisville.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grinding Out A Draw

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:06 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage tie Bay FC at WakeMed Soccer Park, extending their home unbeaten streak. Ashley Sanchez scored, making her the first player in the NWSL to score against every team.

We look ahead to Saturday's away match against Louisville's newly formulated squad and wrap up with some Courage and NWSL news.

The NC Courage tie 1-1 against the Bay FC.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courage Wave Goodbye to Morgan

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:48 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage beat Alex Morgan and the San Diego Wave in Snapdragon Stadium. Alex Morgan was denied a PK from Casey Murphy, and four Courage players scored. Melia Berkley was credited with three assists in the first half, a first in the NWSL. Throw in a red card for the San Diego keeper, and calling it a fantastic game is an understatement—but probably not for Alex Morgan fans.

Sunday's match was Alex Morgan's final match. We thank her for her contributions to the sport, both on and off the field. Then, we look ahead to Friday's home match against Bay FC.

We look ahead to the game against the Bay FC and wrap up with some Courage and NWSL news.

The NC Courage win 1-4 against the San Diego Wave.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rain Goals

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage maintained their unbeaten streak at home with a win against the KC Current. Despite extreme heat and a torrential downpour in the 80th minute (causing a 90-minute game delay), the Courage won with goals by brand new Australian international Cortnee Vine, and Durham local and UNC alum Brianna Pinto.

We discuss the game, go over some stand-out stats and then we look ahead to the game against the San Diego Wave. We wrap up with some Courage and NWSL news.

The NC Courage win 2-1 against the Kansas City Current.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shaking Off The Rust

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 03:54:05 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage lost on the road to Seattle Reign. We review the game and give a special shout-out to Megan Rapinoe, whose jersey was retired before the match. We look ahead at what now seems to be a more beatable KC team. We wrap things up by discussing the groundbreaking CBA that just dropped, which gives the players much of what they've been asking for!

The NC Courage lose 1-0 against the Seattle Reign.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

We’re looking forward to an exciting 2024 season with a reformulated Courage squad and two NEW expansion teams to face, so you won’t want to miss an episode. New content is released each Thursday.

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back From Vacation

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 01:26:29 GMT

In This Episode

After an summer Olympic break, we're back!

In this episode, Katie gives her report from the Olympics. We take a look ahead at a newly formulate Seattle Reign game. And we review all the NWSL news from the past few weeks.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courage Pod Jam 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:27:15 GMT

In This Episode

On this very special episode, we are joined by CTID Cast, Six Point Weekend, and The Uproar.

We kick off by talking about the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup game against Orlando Pride, which ended in a draw. The Courage clinched the victory in PKs, largely due to Marisa Bova's outstanding performance, which included two crucial saves in her professional debut. Even with the Olympic athletes' absence, the team's performance was exceptional!

With it being about halfway through the season, we picked our outstanding players of 2024 (so far):

Ryan Williams
Manaka
Narumi Miura
Riley Jackson
Kaleigh Kurtz
Ashley Sanchez

Everyone explains what we need for the last half of the season:

Score more
Adjust to new and returning players after the Olympics
Road wins
Take down top-of-the-table teams
Full squad availability
Get selfish in the final third and shoot

Everyone shares where they think we'll finish this season and in the post. With the mountain climb to the top, everyone believes we'll be around 3-5th place with a third star at the end of this season. This team has so much upside, and the rest of the season will be fantastic.

We end with the most significant impact player of the season (who wasn't previously covered):

Kerolin
Cortnee Vine
Olivia Wingate
Brianna Pinto
Denise O'Sullivan
Feli Rauch

Do y'all agree with our selection, or is there an outstanding player we missed? Your opinion matters to us. Leave us a review and let us know who and why.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Tale of Two Halves

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage beat Racing Louisville at home. For the first time in Courage history, they came back after being down at half. Trevor and Katie discuss the three beautiful goals and the impactful half-time subs of Meredith Speck, Olivia Wingate, and Manaka Matsukubo. We give special recognition to Narumi Miura and Ashley Sanchez for their outstanding performance and impressive stats. We go on to provide an Olympic refresher with Casey Murphy, Sydney Collins, Kerolin Nicoli, Feli Rauch (alternative), and Courtnee Vine, all named to their rosters.

We take a look around the league to relive that beautiful game against KC Current and Orlando Pride. We also take a moment to address what is going on at San Diego Wave, the Angel City FC sale.

The NC Courage win 3-1 against Racing Louisville.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Road Win

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:42:56 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage beat the Washington Spirit on the road. With Trevor out, long-time supporter Jeff joins us on the pod to discuss our first road win of the season. In this episode, we discuss the revenge goal from Ashley Sanchez, neutralizing Trinity Roadman and Croix Bethune, Denise O'Sullivan's continued outstanding performance, and Narumi Miura's best game yet. We end by talking game stats, look towards Racing Louisville, discuss the Amy Rodriguez and Casey Stoney news.

The NC Courage win 0-1 against the Washington Spirit.

Find Jeff on Twitter, or at a game in section 204!

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goals, Goals, and Goals

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:00:51 GMT

In This Episode

The North Carolina Courage beat the Chicago Red Stars. The Courage ended their goal drought in exciting fashion, with three goals from three different players: Tyler Lussi, Ashley Sanchez, and Meredith Speck. Riley Jackson got her first start, and we discussed how she looked. We share our love of Brianna Pinto and how we would love to see her get more starts. Then we dive into stats, take a look ahead at our Saturday match Washington Spirit, and briefly touch on our thoughts on the potential Olympic roster (which had yet to be announced as of recording).

The NC Courage win 3-1 against the the Chicago Red Stars

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod. We’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling Pretty Good

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:00:55 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage tie Orlando Pride. We discuss how we've never been so relieved with a tie and how great the team looked, in fact, perhaps the best they've looked. With Ryan Williams out on a red, the team stepped up and were able to play their game against the Pride. Since September of last year, no team has been able to keep the Pride from scoring. We take ahead to the Chicago Red Stars and discuss what went on in the league.

The NC Courage end level 0-0 against the Orlando Pride.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

We’re looking forward to an exciting 2024 season with a reformulated Courage squad and two NEW expansion teams to face, so you won’t want to miss an episode. We’ll kick off on March 21, with new content released each Thursday.

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Final Third

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:40 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage lose to the Portland Thorns. We discuss how we should have come out with at least a point, the Sophia Smith red card and where we have been lacking. We also touch on TST, look around the league and expansion.

The NC Courage lose 1-0 to the Portland Thorns.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long Stretch On The Road

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:16 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage lost to the Houston Dash. We discuss yet another road loss, some fantastic standout player stats, and our optimism for our away game against the Portland Thorns.

The NC Courage win 3-0 to the Utah Royals.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Setting The Tone

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:17 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage beat the Utah Royals in their return to WakeMed Soccer Park. We discuss Kaleigh Kurtz's beautiful goal, how aggressive the team looked and that winning feeling. We dive into the dominant stats, take a look around the league, and discuss the Courage roster for The Soccer Tournament (TST).

The NC Courage win 1-0 to the Utah Royals.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Playing Good Soccer

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage fall to the KC Current. We discuss what's going on with our midfield, our scoring woes, and how we actually looked pretty good despite all that. We give a shout-out to Dani Weatherholt and Brianna Pinto, who had an excellent game.

The NC Courage lose 1-0 to KC Current.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Achilles Heel: Road Trips

Thu, 09 May 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage lost both away games against Orlando Pride and NJ/NY Gotham. We welcome Trevor back after his vacation to discuss the two losses and if we should worry yet. We wrap up looking forward to the KC Current game.

The NC Courage lose 1-4 to Orlando Pride and 0-1 to NJ/NY Gotham.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soccer Over Courage

Thu, 02 May 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage beat the Seattle Reign. With Trevor still on vacation, Katie recaps the game and jumps into an interview with Soccer Over Gotham host Gary.

The NC Courage win against Seattle Reign 1-0.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Lot Of Fight

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage fall the Angel City in Los Angeles... again. We discuss why we can't seem to get that LA win, the fight until the final whistle and why folks should still be afraid of this team. We look ahead to Seattle and talk NWSL trades. The most important takeaway: We didn't get the win, but we never gave up.

The NC Courage lose to Angel City in Los Angeles 2-1.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking out the Thorns

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:07:02 GMT

In This Episode

The NC Courage takes out our bitter rivals, the Portland Thorns after the international break at home in WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. We discuss the early goals, the growing relationship between Tyler Lussi and Ryan Williams, and trying to get our first win against Angel City FC at BMO stadium. The most important takeaway: It's hard to complain when our club is performing so well.

The NC Courage beat the Portland in a 2-0 victory.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investing in the Courage

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

The NWSL is on international break. so we took this opportunity to talk all things soccer with NC Courage investor, Sara Toussaint. We discuss what makes NWSL supporters and the Courage special. We wrap up with a quick discussion on SheBelieves and a look forward to our game with our nemesis, the Portland Thorns.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gothams

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

The Courage are back at Wakemed Soccer Park! We discuss the gritty win against Gotham, a new lineup (four new people!), and how the defense helped keep our first clean sheet. We do a quick look around the league. And of course, we have to discuss the hot topic of the week, Korbin Albert. The most important takeaway: Wins like this will do wonders for our mental game.

The NC Courage beat the NJ/NY in a 1-0 victory.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suffer Ball

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 03:59:27 GMT

In This Episode

We discuss the first loss away at Utah, finding out where we went right and where we went a little wrong. Looking ahead, we discuss what we expect to see from the newly formed super team, the Gothams. We wrap up with a quick look around the league. The most important takeaway: We're still early in the season.

The NC Courage lose to the Utah Royals 2-1.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Look of the Team

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:59:00 GMT

In This Episode

We discuss the first game of the 2024 NWSL Season. Find out our first impressions of the NC Courage and where we saw the team grow. We break down the handball call and the VAR check on Denise O'Sullivan. Looking ahead, we discuss what we can glean from the one Utah Royals game we've ever seen. We wrap up with a quick look around the league. Most important takeaway: We're at the top of the table and it feels so good.

The NC Courage beat the Houston Dash in a 5-1 victory.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

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Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can you expect?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:45:03 GMT

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod and we’ll see you soon, Courage Country.

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com or follow us on Twitter @lionspitch.

Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
Produced by Mary Pruter
Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.