By Cathleen Cleary: What a way to kick off the 2024 NWSL regular season! Our North Carolina Courage put on a commanding performance, securing a resounding 5-1 victory over the Houston Dash in front of our home crowd.
From the moment the whistle blew, it was clear that the Courage meant business. We wasted no time in taking control of the game, with Malia Berkley calmly converting from the spot in the 19th minute after a VAR review awarded us a penalty. That set the tone for what would be an electrifying match.
Haley Hopkins showcased her attacking prowess, extending our lead in the 55th minute with a clinical finish that left the Dash defense reeling. But our dominance didn't stop there. Bianca St-Georges joined the scoring party, netting two goals in quick succession to further solidify our grip on the game.
And let's not forget about Dani Weatherholt, who put the icing on the cake with a late goal in stoppage time, sealing the deal for an emphatic victory. It was a stellar team effort from start to finish, with every player giving their all for the badge.
While the Dash managed to find the back of the net once, our defense stood tall, denying them any chance of a comeback. Casey Murphy's heroic diving save and our solid defensive line ensured that we maintained control throughout the match.
But it wasn't just our seasoned veterans who shone on the field. Our rookies made their mark as well, with Avery Patterson making an impressive professional debut, showcasing her talent and potential with four entries into the final third.
And let's give a round of applause to Kiki Van Zanten, who came off the bench and immediately made an impact, applying pressure in the box that led to an own goal by the Dash.
As Courage fans, we couldn't have asked for a better start to the season. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the club. But it's just the beginning. With the momentum from this win behind us, we'll continue to push forward and strive for greatness in the matches to come.
So let's keep the energy high and continue to support our Courage as they embark on their journey this season. There's no limit to what this team can achieve when we stand together as one. Onwards and upwards, Courage faithful!
