Enemy Scouting Report - North Carolina Courage
(image via North Carolina Courage)
The Houston Dash are enduring a tough stretch, having won just one of their last five matches. This period has included a pause for international competition, and after this weekend’s match, the NWSL will once again enter a month-long break. For head coach Fabrice Gautrat, tonight’s match carries added significance as he faces his former club, the North Carolina Courage, where he previously served as an assistant coach. As the season progresses, Gautrat and the Dash are still searching for consistency and identity—but they are in desperate need of a win to regain momentum.
North Carolina enters the matchup just above Houston in the standings and are firmly in the hunt for another playoff berth. The Courage have been a well-balanced team in 2025, with a strong midfield, a disciplined backline, and a few key players driving their attack. Central midfielder Denise O’Sullivan continues to be the heartbeat of the team, dictating tempo with her precise passing and ability to recover possession. Her experience and composure in midfield will be critical in controlling the flow of the game. On the right side, Ryan Williams has been a standout performer this season, not only defensively but also as an attacking threat. She leads the Courage in chances created and is known for her dangerous overlapping runs and ability to deliver quality balls into the box.
Attacking midfielder Manaka Matsukubo adds a dynamic edge to North Carolina’s offense. With three goals so far this season and a knack for finding space in and around the penalty area, she’s a player Houston cannot afford to lose track of. Her quick feet and vision allow her to create scoring opportunities for herself and others, often shifting the momentum of a match in an instant.
North Carolina Courage Record: 4W-3D-5L
Results in the last 30 days:
May 17 - North Carolina 2-0 Chicago Stars
May 25 - San Diego Wave 5-2 North Carolina
June 8 - Washington Spirit 3-1 North Carolina
June 14 - Angel City FC 1-2 North Carolina
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy, Marisa Jordan, Katie Cappelletti
Defenders: Kaleigh Kurtz, Malia Berkely, Felicitas Rauch, Talia Staude, Ryan Williams, Sydney Collins, Brooklyn Courtnall, Maycee Bell, Charlotte McLean
Midfielders: Brianna Pinto, Denise O’Sullivan, Riley Jackson, Dani Weatherholt, Jaedyn Shaw, Shinomi Koyama, Meredith Speck, Manaka Matsukubo
Forwards: Ashley Sanchez, Olivia Wingate, Tyler Lussi, Cortnee Vine, Hannah Betfort, Aline Gomes
Can Houston take advantage of the break ahead and deliver a much-needed positive result, or will the Courage continue their playoff push at their former assistant’s expense?
