Enemy Scouting Report: North Carolina Courage
(image via North Carolina Courage)
After a long international break, the NWSL season resumes as the Houston Dash host the North Carolina Courage on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, looking to build on their form so far in the 2026 season.
Historically, the matchup favors the visitors. The Courage have twelve wins against the Dash, while Houston has claimed eight. More recently, however, the series has been evenly contested, with results alternating between the two sides in their last four meetings.
North Carolina opened the season with an impressive win over Louisville but has since gone winless in their next three matches. They’ll be aiming to bounce back and climb back up the table.
By the Numbers
Goals per 90: 1.25 (9th in NWSL)
Goals conceded per 90: 1.50 (11th in NWSL)
Possession: 53.3% (6th in NWSL)
Top scorer: Ashley Sanchez (3)
Most assists: Ryan Williams (2)
Head Coach
Mak Lind
Lind’s first year in the NWSL has not gotten off to the best start. He previously built his coaching experience in the lower tiers of men’s football before making the move to the women’s game in 2023 with BK Häcken in Sweden. During his time there, he led the club to its second league title in 2025, highlighting his ability to find success at the highest level.
Last Four Matches
March 14 - North Carolina 2-1 Louisville
March 21 - Gotham 0-0 North Carolina
March 28 - North Carolina 1-3 Bay
April 4 - North Carolina 2-2 Portland
Last Match Staring XI (from FotMob)
Here’s how North Carolina lined up for their last NWSL game, a 2-2 draw against the Portland Thorns.
2026 Roster
Goalkeepers: Madi White, Kailen Sheridan, Molly Pritchard
Defenders: Sydney Schmidt, Natalie Jacobs, Cameron Brooks, Ivy Younce, Feli Rauch, Natalia Staude, Ryan Williams, Uno Shiragaki, Maycee Bell
Midfielders: Ashley Sanchez, Carly Wickenheiser, Riley Jackson, Dani Weatherholt, Shinomi Koyama, Manaka Matsukubo, Oli Pena
Forwards: Lauryn Thompson, Chioma Okafor, Olivia Wingate, Evelyn Ijeh, Payton Crawford, Cortnee Vine, Hannah Betfort, Ally Schlegel
