North Carolina Courage earned a 3‑1 victory over Seattle Reign in a match that was as much about endurance as it was about skill. The Reign struck first in the 19th minute when Sally Menti found the net, but Ashley Sanchez equalised less than four minutes later with her eighth goal of the season. The early exchange set a tense tone for a contest that would see several momentum shifts.
Sanchez’s second strike came in the 71st minute, moving her past Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga in the league’s goal‑scoring rankings. Earlier, Riley Jackson had converted a penalty in the 64th minute to put North Carolina ahead 2‑1, and the team capitalised on that lead before sealing the win.
Weekend Highlights
The match was delayed by an hour due to expected high temperatures, with game‑time readings in the 90s. Organisers prioritised player safety, pausing play until conditions became more favourable.
On the West Coast, the San Diego Wave extended their unbeaten streak with a 2‑0 triumph over Gotham FC. Melanie Barcenas opened the scoring, and her celebration — a playful imitation of Alex Morgan taking a sip of tea — paid tribute to the veteran forward. Trinity Byars added the second goal, underscoring the Wave’s depth.
The Wave sit atop the NWSL table as the league resumes after an extended summer break, a position that reflects both consistency and the impact of new signings. Meanwhile, Gotham FC announced the arrival of Australian striker Sam Kerr, though the star will not be available for selection until July 15.